KR20160042142A - Footwear having sensor system - Google Patents

Abstract

A footwear article includes a top member and a sole structure, and has a sensor system coupled to the sole structure. The sensor system includes a plurality of sensors configured to sense a force applied by a user's foot on the sensor. The sensor system also includes a port, which is a structure for receiving the module, which places the module in communication with the sensors. The port includes a housing which is a structure for receiving the module, and an interface with the housing and having at least one electrical contact exposed to the chamber. Additional reinforcement structures and interface structures may be included.

Description

[0001] FOOTWEAR HAVING SENSOR SYSTEM [0002]

Cross-reference to related application

This application claims priority to and benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61 / 443,800, filed February 17, 2011, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Technical field

The present invention relates generally to footwear having a sensor system, and more particularly to a shoe having a force sensor assembly operatively connected to a communication port located in the shoe.

Footwear containing sensor systems is known. Sensor systems collect performance data, where the data is accessible for analysis purposes or for future use. In certain systems, the sensor systems may be data-accessible or usable only in complex or specific operating systems. Accordingly, it may be unnecessarily limited to use the collected data. Thus, while certain shoes with sensor systems provide numerous beneficial functions, they nonetheless have certain limitations. The present invention seeks to overcome certain of these limitations and other disadvantages of the prior art, and attempts to provide new features that are not possible so far.

Summary Information

The present invention relates generally to footwear having a sensor system. Aspects of the present invention relate to an article of footwear comprising an upper member and a sole structure, and having a sensor system coupled to the sole structure. The sensor system includes a plurality of sensors configured to sense a force applied by a user's foot on the sensor.

According to an aspect, the footwear further includes a communication port operably connected to the sensors. In one embodiment, the communication port is a structure for transmitting data relating to forces sensed by each sensor in a universal readable format. In addition, the port is a structure for connecting to the electronic module, and can enable communication between the sensors and the module.

Additional aspects of the present invention relate to a port for use in an article of footwear and may include a housing adapted to be at least partially received within the sole portion of the footwear article. The housing includes a plurality of sidewalls defining an interior chamber adapted to receive an electronic module. The interface has at least one electrical contact secured to the housing and exposed to the chamber. In this configuration, the interface is adapted to be electrically connected to the module such that the module clamps the at least one electrical contact when the module is received in the chamber.

Additional aspects of the present invention relate to a footwear article adapted to accommodate a foot comprising a sole structure, an upper portion, a sensor system, and a port as described above. The sole structure comprises an outsole member and a midsole member supported by the outsole member, the midsole member having a well therein. The upper portion is connected to the sole structure. The sensor system includes a force sensor coupled to the sole structure and a sensor lead extending from the force sensor, the force sensor being adapted to sense a force applied to the sole structure by the foot. The interface of the port includes an electrical contact connected to the sensor lead and in electronic communication with the force sensor.

Additional aspects of the invention relate to a system for use in footwear articles adapted to attach feet. The system includes a sole structure comprising an outsole member, a midsole member supported by the outsole member, and an upper portion connected to the sole structure, wherein the midsole member has a well therein. The system also includes a plurality of force sensors coupled to the sole structure and a plurality of sensor leads extending from the force sensor, each of the force sensors being adapted to sense a force applied to the sole structure by the feet. A port is connected to the sole structure and the sensor system. The port includes a housing at least partially received within a well in the midsole member and an interface for engagement with the housing. The housing includes a plurality of sidewalls defining a chamber and a reinforcing member connected to at least one of the sidewalls. The interface has a plurality of electrical contacts exposed to the chamber such that the electrical contacts are connected to the plurality of sensor leads to electronically communicate with the force sensor. The system also includes an electronic module housed in a chamber of the port such that when the module is received in the chamber, the module engages the plurality of electrical contacts to form an electrical connection with the interface. The module receives the signal from the force sensor via the interface and electrical connection and stores the data received from the force sensor. Additionally, a reinforcement member of the housing applies a force to the module to retain the module in the chamber.

 Further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the following drawings.

1 is a side view of a shoe;
Fig. 2 is a side view of the shoe opposite to that of Fig. 1; Fig.
Figure 3 is a plan view of the sole of a shoe comprising an embodiment of a sensor system;
Figure 4 is a side cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a shoe comprising the sensor system of Figure 3;
Figure 5 is a side cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a shoe comprising the sensor system of Figure 3;
6 is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of an electronic module usable in a sensor system in communication with an external electronic device;
Figure 7 is a plan view of another embodiment of an insertion member including a sensor system according to aspects of the present invention;
Figure 8 is a plan view of the left and right pair of insertion members shown in Figure 7;
Figure 9 is an enlarged exploded view of a portion of the insertion member and sensor system of Figure 7;
Figure 10 is a side cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a shoe including the insertion member of Figure 7;
Figure 11 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a sensor system according to aspects of the present invention for use in a footwear article, wherein the sole structure of the footwear article is schematically illustrated by dashed lines;
12 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 12-12 of FIG. 11, showing the ports of the sensor system of FIG. 11 and the electronic module housed in the housing of the sensor system;
Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view of the port and module of Figure 12, wherein the module is inserted into the port;
Figure 14 is a perspective view of the module shown in Figure 12;
Figure 15 is a rear perspective view of the module of Figure 14;
Figure 15A is a rear view of the module of Figure 14;
Figure 16 is a plan view of the module of Figure 14;
Figure 17 is a side view of the module of Figure 14;
Figure 18 is a perspective view of the port of Figure 11 showing the module housed in its housing;
Figure 18A is a schematic view of the interface assembly of the port shown in Figure 11;
Figure 19 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a sole structure portion of a footwear article having a port and an electronic module for connection to the port;
Figure 20 is a partial cross-sectional view of the sole structure of Figure 19 with the module connected to the port;
Figure 21 is a perspective view of the sole structure of Figure 19, with the module connected to the port;
22 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a sole structure portion of a footwear article having a port and an electronic module for connection to the port;
Figure 23 is a rear view of the module of Figure 22;
Figure 24 is a perspective view of the sole structure of Figure 22 with the module connected to the port;
Figure 25 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a sole structure portion of a footwear article having a port and an electronic module for connection to the port;
Figure 26 is a partial cross-sectional view of the sole structure of Figure 25, with the module connected to the port;
Figure 27 is a perspective view of the sole structure of Figure 25, wherein said module is connected to said port;
28 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the sole structure of a footwear article, having a port and an electronic module for connection to said port;
28A is a bottom view of the module of FIG. 28;
Figure 29 is a perspective view of the sole structure of Figure 28, with the module connected to the port;
Figure 30 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a sole structure portion of a footwear article having a port and an electronic module for connection to the port;
Figure 30A is a bottom view of the module of Figure 30;
Figure 31 is a perspective view of the sole structure of Figure 30, with the module connected to the port;
32 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a sole structure portion of a footwear article, having a port and an electronic module for connection to the port;
Figure 32A is a bottom view of the module of Figure 32;
Figure 33 is a perspective view of the sole structure of Figure 32, the module being connected to the port;
Figure 34 is a perspective view of the sole structure of Figure 32, with the module connected to the port;
35 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the sole structure of a footwear article, having a port and an electronic module for connection to said port;
35A is a plan view of the module of FIG. 35;
Figure 36 is a perspective view of the sole structure of Figure 35, the module being connected to the port;
Figure 37 is a perspective view of the sole structure of Figure 35, wherein said module is connected to said port;
38 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a sole structure portion of a footwear article having a port and an electronic module for connection to the port;
Figure 38A is a plan view of the module of Figure 38;
Figure 39 is a perspective view of the sole structure of Figure 38, with the module connected to the port;
40 is a partial cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a sole structure portion of a footwear article, having a port and an electronic module for connection to the port;
41 is a partial cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a sole structure portion of a footwear article, having a port and an electronic module for connection to the port;
Figure 42 is a partial cross-sectional view of the module of Figure 41;
43 is a partial cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the sole structure of a footwear article, having a port and an electronic module for connection to said port;
Figure 44 is a partial cross-sectional view of a portion of the module of Figure 43;
45 is a partial cross-sectional view of a portion of another embodiment of a sole structure portion of a footwear article,
Having an electronic module for connecting to a port;
Figure 46 is a partial cross-sectional view of a portion of the footwear article of Figure 45 with a module connected to the port;
Figure 46A is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of the port and module of Figure 45;
47 is a partial cross-sectional view of a portion of another embodiment of a footwear article having a port and an electronic module for connection to the port;
Figure 48 is a partial cross-sectional view of a portion of the footwear article of Figure 47 with a module connected to the port;
49 is a partial cross-sectional view of a portion of another embodiment of a footwear article having a port and an electronic module for connection to the port;
Figure 50 is a partial cross-sectional view of a portion of the footwear article of Figure 49 with a module connected to the port;
51 is a partial cross-sectional view of the module of FIG. 52, having a portion of the port;
52 is a partial cross-sectional view of another embodiment portion of a footwear article having an electronic module for connection to a port and a port;
53 is a partial cross-sectional view of a portion of the footwear article of FIG. 52 with a module connected to the port;
54 is a partial cross-sectional view of another embodiment portion of a footwear article having an electronic module for connection to a port and a port;
55 is a partial cross-sectional view of a portion of the footwear article of FIG. 54 with a module connected to the port;
56 is a partial cross-sectional view of a portion of the module and port of FIG. 54;
57 is a partial cross-sectional view of another embodiment portion of a footwear article having an electronic module for connection to a port and a port;
58 is a partial cross-sectional view of a portion of the footwear article of FIG. 57 with a module connected to the port;
FIG. 58A is a partial cross-sectional view of the midsole member portion of the footwear article of FIG. 57, showing the way in which the module is inserted; FIG.
FIG. 58B is a partial cross-sectional view of the midsole member portion of FIG. 58A, after the module is inserted; FIG.
Figure 58C is a partial cross-sectional view of the midsole portion of Figure 58A showing the middle of the module being removed;
59 is a partial cross-sectional view of another embodiment portion of a footwear article having an electronic module for connection to a port and a port;
60 is a partial cross-sectional view of a portion of the footwear article of FIG. 59 with a module connected to the port;
61 is a partial cross-sectional view of another embodiment portion of a footwear article having an electronic module for connection to a port and a port;
Figure 62 is a partial cross-sectional view of a portion of the footwear article of Figure 61 with a module connected to the port;
63 is a partial cross-sectional view of another embodiment portion of a sole structure portion of a footwear article, having an electronic module for connection to a port and a port;
Figure 64 is a partial cross-sectional view of the sole structure portion of Figure 63, having a module connected to the port;
65 is a partial cross-sectional view of another embodiment portion of a sole structure portion of a footwear article, having an electronic module for connection to a port and a port;
66 is a partial cross-sectional view of the sole structure portion of FIG. 65, having a module coupled to the port;
67 is a partial cross-sectional view of another embodiment portion of a sole structure portion of a footwear article, having an electronic module for connection to a port and a port;
68 is a partial cross-sectional view of another embodiment portion of the sole structure of a footwear article, having an electronic module for connection to a port and a port;
69 is a partial cross-sectional view of another embodiment portion of a sole structure portion of a footwear article having an electronic module for connection to a port and a port;
69A is a side view of the port of FIG. 69;
70 is a partial cross-sectional view of another embodiment portion of a sole structure portion of a footwear article, having an electronic module for connection to a port and a port;
71 is a partial cross-sectional view of another embodiment portion of the sole structure of a footwear article, having an electronic module for connection to a port and a port;
72 is a partial cross-sectional view of another embodiment portion of a sole structure portion of a footwear article, having an electronic module for connection to a port and a port;
73 is a partial cross-sectional view of another embodiment portion of the sole structure of a footwear article, having an electronic module for connection to a port and a port;
74 is a partial cross-sectional view of the interface of the port of FIG. 73;
75 is a partial cross-sectional view of another embodiment portion of a sole structure portion of a footwear article, having an electronic module for connection to a port and a port;
76 is a partial cross-sectional view of the sole structure portion of FIG. 75, having an electronic module coupled to the port;
77 is a partial cross-sectional view of another embodiment portion of a sole structure portion of a footwear article, having an electronic module for connection to a port and a port;
78 is a partial cross-sectional view of the sole structure portion of FIG. 77, having an electronic module coupled to the port;
79 is a partial cross-sectional view of another embodiment portion of a sole structure portion of a footwear article, having an electronic module for connection to a port and a port;
80 is a partial cross-sectional view of the sole structure portion of FIG. 79, having an electronic module coupled to the port;
81 is a partial cross-sectional view of another embodiment portion of a sole structure portion of a footwear article, having an electronic module for connection to a port and a port;
82 is a partial cross-sectional view of the sole structure portion of FIG. 81, having an electronic module coupled to the port;
83 is a partial cross-sectional view of another embodiment portion of the sole structure of a footwear article, having an electronic module for connection to a port and a port;
84 is a partial cross-sectional view of another embodiment portion of a sole structure portion of a footwear article, having an electronic module for connection to a port and a port;
85 is a partial cross-sectional view of the sole structure portion of FIG. 101, having an electronic module coupled to the port;
86 is a schematic view of the electronic module module of Fig. 6 in communication with an external electronic device;
87 is a schematic view of a pair of shoes each including a sensor system that is in mesh communication mode with an external device;
88 is a schematic view of a pair of shoes each including a sensor system that is an "daisy chain" communication mode with an external device; And
89 is a schematic view of a pair of shoes each including a sensor system that is an independent communication mode with an external device.

While the invention is susceptible of embodiment in many different forms, it is to be understood that the present disclosure is to be considered as an example of the principles of the invention and that the broad scope of the invention is to be limited to the embodiments described and illustrated The preferred embodiments of the present invention are shown in the drawings and will now be described in detail.

Shoes, such as shoes, are shown as an example in FIGS. 1-2, and are generally designated by reference numeral 100. The footwear 100 may take many different forms, including, for example, various types of athletic footwear. In one exemplary embodiment, the shoe 100 generally includes a force sensor system 12 operatively connected to the universal communications port 14. The force sensor system 12 is shown in FIG. As will be described in more detail below, the sensor system 12 collects performance data regarding the wearer of the shoe 100. Through a connection to the general purpose communication port 14, a plurality of different users may access the performance data for a variety of different uses, as described in more detail below.

The footwear 100 article is shown in Figure 1-2 as comprising an upper 120 and a sole structure 130. For reference in the following description, footwear 100 may be divided into three general areas: forefoot region 111, middle foot region 112, and heel region 113 as depicted in FIG. The areas 111-113 are not intended to define the exact area of the footwear 100. Instead, areas 111-113 are for indicating general areas of footwear 100 that provide a frame of reference during the discussion below. Although references 111-113 generally apply to footwear 100, references to regions 111-113 refer specifically to top 120, sole structure 130, or top 120 or sole structure 130, May be applied to individual components included and / or formed as part of it.

1 and 2, the upper portion 120 is fixed to the sole structure 130 and defines a space or chamber for receiving the feet. For reference, upper portion 120 includes lateral side 121, opposite inner side 122, and anterior cheekbones or toe region 123. The lateral side 121 extends along the lateral side (i.e., the outer side) of the foot and generally passes through each of the regions 111-113. Similarly, the inner side 122 extends along the opposite inner side (i.e., inner side) of the foot and generally passes through each of the regions 111-113. The front lighted area 123 is located between the lateral side 121 and the inner side 122 and corresponds to the upper surface or foot area of the foot. The front cheeky region 123 includes a throat 124 having other desirable closing mechanisms utilized in the conventional manner to modify the size of the top 120 relative to the lace 125 or foot in this depicted example The feet of the footwear 100 are adjusted. The upper portion 120 also includes an ankle opening 126 that allows the foot to connect to the interior space of the upper portion 120. In order to construct the upper portion 120, various materials may be used, including materials conventionally used on the footwear. Thus, the top 120 may be formed from one or more portions of, for example, leather, artificial leather, natural or synthetic fabrics, polymer sheets, polymer foams, mesh fabrics, felts, nonwoven polymers, or rubber materials. The top 120 may be formed from one or more of these materials, wherein the materials or portions thereof are stitched or adhesively sealed using, for example, methods known and used in the art.

The top portion 120 may also include a heel element (not shown) and a toe element (not shown). The heel element, when present, may extend above and above the inner surface of the upper portion 120 in the heel region 113 to improve the comfort of the footwear 100. The toe element, when present, is positioned on the outer surface of the forefoot region 111 and the top portion 120 to provide wear protection, protect the wearer's toes, and help position the foot.

In some embodiments, one or both of the heel element and the toe element may be absent, or the heel element may be located, for example, on the outer surface of the top 120. Although the structure of top 120 described above is suitable for footwear 100, top 120 may implement any desired existing or non-existing structure without departing from the present invention.

The sole structure 130 is fixed to the bottom of the upper portion 120 and may have a generally conventional shape. The sole structure 130 includes a foot contact member 133 which may be a multi-piece structure such as a middle 131, an outsole 132 and an insole, a strobel, an insole member, a booty member, a sock, (See Figs. 4-5). In the embodiment shown in Figs. 4-5, the foot contact member 133 is an insole member or an insole. As used herein, the term "foot contact member" does not necessarily refer to direct contact with the user's foot, and other elements may interfere with direct contact. Instead, the foot-contacting member forms a part of the inner surface of the foot-receiving chamber of the footwear article. For example, the user may be wearing socks that interfere with direct contact. As another example, a sensor system 12 designed to slip over a shoe or other footwear article, such as an outer booty element or a shoe cover, may be incorporated into the footwear article. In such an article, the upper portion of the sole structure portion may be recognized as a foot contact member even though it does not directly contact the user's foot.

The midsole member 131 may be a shock damping member. For example, the midsole member 131 may be made of a polymeric foam material such as polyurethane, ethyl vinyl acetate, or other material that compresses to dampen ground or other contact surface reaction forces during walking, running, jumping, Light, etc.). In some structural examples in accordance with the present invention, the polymeric foam material may include various elements that enhance comfort, operational control, stability, and / or ground or other contact surface reaction force damping capabilities of footwear 100, such as fluid- As shown in FIG. In another structure example, the midsole 131 may comprise additional elements that compress to reduce the ground or other contact surface reaction forces. For example, the midsole may include column type elements to aid cushioning and force absorption.

The outsole 132 is secured to the bottom of the middle 131 of the footwear structure 100 depicted herein and includes an abrasion resistant material that contacts the ground or other surface during a walk or other activity, For example, polyurethane. The outsole 132 forming material may be fabricated from suitable materials and / or woven to provide enhanced traction and anti-slip properties. The structure and methods for fabricating the outsole 132 will be discussed further below. The foot contact member 133 (which may be an insole, an insole, a booty member, a strobel, a sock, etc.) may be adjacent (or in the upper portion 120 and the middle 131) And is generally a thin, compressible member that can enhance the comfort of the footwear 100. In some arrangements, there may be no insole or insole, and in other embodiments, the footwear 100 may have a foot-contacting member located at the top of the insole or insole.

The outer window 132 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 includes a plurality of cutouts or grooves 136 on one or both sides of the outer window 132. The grooves 136 may extend from the bottom of the outer window 132 to the upper side or the middle window 131. In one construction, the grooves 136 may extend from the bottom surface of the outer window 132 to a midpoint between the bottom of the outer window 132 and the top of the outer window 132. In another construction, the grooves 136 may extend beyond the middle of the outermost window 132 to the top of the outermost window 132. In another construction, the grooves 136 may extend from the bottom surface of the outer window 132 to a point where the outer window 132 meets the middle window 131. The grooves 136 provide additional flexibility to the outer window 132 to allow the outer window to move freely in a natural direction in which the wearer's feet move. Additionally, the grooves 136 may help provide a static traction force to the wearer. It is understood that embodiments of the present invention may be used in conjunction with other types of footwear and sole structures as well as other types and configurations of shoes.

3-5 illustrate exemplary embodiments of a footwear 100 including a sensor system 12 in accordance with the present invention. The sensor system 12 includes a force sensor assembly 13 having a plurality of sensors 16 and a communication or output port 14 (e.g., electrically connected via conductors) . 3, the system 12 has four sensors 16: a first sensor 16A in the big toe region of the shoe, a second sensor 16A in the first metatarsal head region, Two sensors 16B-C of the forefoot region of the shoe including a second sensor 16B and a third sensor 16C of the fifth metatarsal head region, and a fourth sensor 16D of the heel. Generally, you experience the highest pressure while these areas of the foot move. The embodiments described below and illustrated in Figures 7-9 utilize the configuration of similar sensors 16. Each of the sensors 16 is a structure for sensing a force applied to the user's feet on the sensors 16. The sensors communicate with the port 14 via sensor leads 18, which may be wire lead and / or another electrical conductor or a suitable communications medium. For example, in one embodiment, the sensor leads 18 may be formed on the foot contact member 133, the midsole member 131, or another member of the sole structure 130, such as the foot contact member 133 ) And the midsole member (131).

Other embodiments of the sensor system 12 may include sensors 16 of different numbers or configurations, such as those described below and illustrated in Figures 7-9, and generally include at least one sensor 16). For example, in one embodiment, the system 12 includes a greater number of sensors, and in another embodiment, the system 12 includes one on the heel of the shoe 100 and one on the forefoot One, i.e., two sensors. In addition, the sensors 16 may communicate with the port 14 in a different manner, including wired or wireless communications of any known type, including Bluetooth and local communications. Sensor systems 12 may be provided in each pair of shoes, the pair of sensor systems may operate in synergy with each other, or may operate independently of each other, and the sensor systems in each shoe may communicate with each other I have to understand that I may or may not. The communication of the sensor systems 12 will be described in more detail below. The sensor system 12 may be provided with computer programs / algorithms to control the collection and storage of data (e.g., pressure data due to user foot-to-ground or other contact surface interaction) And / or may be stored in the sensors 16, the port 14, the module 22, and / or the external device 110. In order to achieve storage and / or execution of these programs / algorithms and / or direct (wired or wireless) transmission of data and / or other information to the port 14 and / or the external device 110, The processor 16 may include the necessary components (e.g., processor, memory, software, TX / RX, etc.).

The sensor system 12 may be located in the sole 130 of the shoe 100 in a variety of configurations. 4-5, the port 14, the sensors 16, and the lead 18 are positioned between the midsole 131 and the foot contact member 133, e.g., The port 14, the sensors 16, and / or the lead 18 can be connected to the top surface of the middle window 131 or the bottom surface of the foot contact member 133. [ 4) or the foot contact member 133 (FIG. 5) in order to accommodate the electronic module, and the port 135 may be positioned in the middle (14) may be connectable from the well (135). In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the well 135 is formed by an opening in the upper main surface of the middle 131, and in the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, Is formed by an opening in the lower main surface of the member (133). In other embodiments, the well 135 may be located anywhere in the sole structure 130. For example, in one embodiment, the well 135 may be partially located within both the foot-contacting member 133 and the midsole member 131, or the well 135 may be located within the midsole 131 And may be located on the lower main surface or the upper main surface of the foot contact member 133. In a further embodiment, the well 135 may be located in the outer window 132 and may be accessible from outside the shoe 100, for example, through the side, bottom, or heel opening of the sole 130 It is possible. In the configurations shown in Figs. 4-5, the port 14 is easily connectable to connect or disconnect the electronic module as described below. In other embodiments, the sensor system 12 may be positioned differently. For example, in one embodiment, the port 14, the sensors 16, and / or the lead 18 may be attached to the outer window 132, the middle window 131, or the foot contact member 133, Can be located within. In one exemplary embodiment, the port 14, the sensors 16, and / or the lead 18 may be configured to be in contact with the foot contacting member (e.g., a sock, an insole, an internal footwear boot, 133 and may be located in the foot contact member 133. [ 4-5 and 7-10, the port 14, the sensors 16, and / or the lead 18 may be positioned between the foot contacting member 133 and the midsole (not shown) Such as by inserting the insertion member between the sole structure 130, such as by inserting the insertion member between the sole structure 130, Still other structures are possible, and some examples of other structures are described below. As discussed, it should be understood that the sensor system 12 may be included in each of the pair of shoes.

7-9, the sensors 16 are force sensors for measuring stress, compression, or other forces and / or energy exerted on the sole 130 or otherwise associated therewith . For example, the sensors 16 may be force-sense resistor (FSR) sensors that utilize a force-sensing resistive material (e.g., a quantum tunneling composite, a custom conductive foam, or a force- Other sensors, magnetoresistive sensors, piezo or piezoresistive sensors, strain gauges, spring based sensors, fiber optic based sensors, polarization sensors, mechanical actuator based sensors, displacement based sensors, and / Any other type of known sensors or switches capable of measuring the force and / or compression of the foot contact member 133, midsole 131, outsole 132, etc., and / or may include them. The sensor may be an analog device or other device capable of sensing force or quantitatively measuring, or it may simply be a binary-type ON / OFF switch (e.g. a silicon membrane switch). Quantitatively measuring forces by the sensors includes collecting and transmitting data that can be switched to quantitative force measurements by an electronic device, such as the module 22 or the external device 110, It may be included. As described herein, some sensors, such as piezoelectric sensors, force-sensing resistor sensors, quantum tunneling composite sensors, custom conductive foam sensors, etc., may sense or measure the difference or change in resistance, capacitance, The measured difference can be deciphered as a force component. The above-mentioned spring-based sensor may be a structure for measuring strain or change in resistance caused by pressure and / or deformation. The above-mentioned optical fiber based sensor includes pressure tubes having a connected light source and a light measuring device. In such a sensor, when the tubes are compressed, the wavelengths or other optical characteristics in the tubes change and the measuring device senses such changes and decodes them by force measurement. Nano coatings can also be used, for example, by immersing the midsole in a conductive material. Polarization sensors are available, wherein changes in light transmission properties are measured and correlated to pressure or force from the sole. One embodiment uses binary arrays (e.g., 100) of binary on / off sensors, and force components can be sensed by " puddling " sensor signals in specific areas. Other types of sensors not mentioned here may still be used. It should be understood that the sensors are relatively inexpensive and can be located in the shoes in a mass production process. More sophisticated sensor systems that can be more expensive can be included in training shoes. It should be appreciated that a combination of different types of sensors may be used in one embodiment.

Additionally, the sensors 16 may be placed or placed in engagement with the shoe structure in many different ways. In one example, the sensors 16 may include a chamber filled with printed conductive ink sensors, electrodes, and / or leadfluids, such as airbags or other fluids deposited on the sole member, foam material, , Or another material for use in socks, booties, inserts, liners, insole, midsole, and the like. The sensors 16 and / or lead 18 may be woven into a garment or fabric structure stream (e.g., insole, buoy, upper member, insert members, etc.) When weaving or knitting, we use conductive fabrics or spun yarns. Many embodiments of the sensor system 12 may be made using, for example, force-sense resistor sensors or force-sensing resistive materials, as described below and illustrated in FIG. The sensors 16 and / or leads 18 may be connected to a portion of the shoe structure in any desired manner, such as by conventional deposition techniques, conductive nano-coatings, conventional mechanical connectors, and any other applicable known method As shown in FIG. The sensor system may be configured to provide mechanical feedback to the wearer. In addition, the sensor system 12 may include a separate power lead to provide power or serve as a ground for the sensors 16. 7-9, the sensor system 12 connects the sensors 16 to the ports 14A-E to detect the presence of the sensors (e. G. 16 for powering the system. As a further example, the sensor system 12 may be made by incorporating printed conductive ink sensors 16 or electrodes and conductive fabric or yarn lead 18 or by forming the sensors on the foam material or the airbag of the shoe have. The sensors 16 may be integrated into or on the airbag in a variety of ways. In one embodiment, the sensors 16 may be made by printing a conductive, force-sensing material on one or more surfaces of the airbag to achieve a strain gage-like effect. When the back surface expands and / or contacts during activity, the sensors can sense such changes through the resistance change of the force-sensing material to sense the force on the airbag. In a bag having an inner fabric to maintain a constant shape, conductive materials may be located at the top and bottom of the airbag and a capacitance change between the conductive materials as the bag expands and compresses is available for force determination. Furthermore, by using devices capable of converting air pressure changes into electrical signals, the force can be determined as the airbag is compressed.

The port 14 is a structure for communicating data collected by the sensors 16 to an external source in one or more known ways. In one embodiment, the port 14 is a general purpose communication port that is a structure that communicates data in a universally readable format. 3-5, the port 14 includes an interface 20 for connection to the electronic module 22, shown in conjunction with the port 14 of FIG. In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 3-5, the interface 20 has a plurality of electrical contacts similar to the interfaces 320 described below. Additionally, in the present embodiment, the port 14 is connected to the housing 24 for insertion of an electronic module 22 located in the middle arch or middle foot area well 135 of the footwear article 100 . 3-5, positioning of the port 14 not only minimizes contact, irritation, or other interference with the user's feet, but also allows the foot contact member 133 to be easily lifted by simply lifting the foot contact member 133. Additionally, as shown in FIG. 6, in order to connect to the port 14 and the port interface 14, the sensor leads 18 also form an integrated interface or connection 19 at their terminal ends. In one embodiment, the integrated interface 19 may comprise separately connecting the sensor leads 18 to the port interface 20, for example, via a plurality of electrical contacts. In yet another embodiment, the sensor leads 18 may be integrated to form an external interface, e. G., A plug type interface, or alternatively and in a further embodiment, the sensor leads 18 may be self- May form a non-integrated interface with each lead 18 having a secondary-interface. As shown in FIG. 6, the sensor leads 18 may converge to a single position to form the integrated interface. The module 22 may have an interface 23 for connecting to the port interface 20 and / or the sensor leads 18, as also described below.

The port 14 is adapted for connection to one or a variety of different electronic modules 22, which may be as simple as a memory component (e.g., a flash drive) or may include more complex functions . It should be appreciated that the module 22 can be as complex as a personal computer, mobile device, server, etc. The port 14 is a structure for transmitting to the module 22 for storing and / or processing data collected by the sensors 16. In yet another embodiment, the port 14 is capable of storing and / or executing these programs / algorithms and / or achieving direct (wired or wireless) transmission of data and / or other information to the external device 110 (E.g., processor, memory, software, TX / RX, etc.). Examples for housings and electronic modules in footwear items are described in U.S. Patent Application No. 11 / 416,458, which is published as U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2007/0260421, which is incorporated herein by reference and forms a part here . Although the port 14 is shown with electrical contacts forming an interface 20 for connecting to the module in other embodiments, the port 14 is connected to the sensors 16, the module 22, One or more additional or alternative communication interfaces for communicating with the external device 110, and / or another component. For example, the port 14 may or may not include a USB port, a FireWire port, a 16-pin port, or some other type of physical contact-based connection or may be a wireless or non- , An interface for Bluetooth, short range communication, RFID, Bluetooth low energy, ZigBee, or other wireless communication technology, or an interface for infrared or other optical communication technology (or a combination of the techniques).

The port 14 and / or the module 22 may have one or more interfaces 20 and 23 and the port 14 may connect the entire lead 18 and 18A to the interfaces 20 and 23, As shown in FIG. Additionally, the module 22 may have one or more interfaces 23 complementary to the interface (s) 20 of the port 14 for connection. For example, if the port 14 has interface (s) 20 on the sidewalls 139 and / or the base wall 143, the module 22 may be positioned on the sidewalls 139 and / Or the base wall 143 also have complementary interface (s). It should be noted that the module 22 and the port 14 may not equally have complementary interfaces 20 and 23 and that only only one of the complementary interfaces 20 and 23 may achieve communication between the components I have to understand. In other embodiments, the port 14 and the well 135 may have other structures for connection of the lead 18, 18A. In addition, the port 14 may have a different shape, which may allow for a much wider variety of connection structures. Moreover, any of the connection structures described herein, or combinations thereof, may be utilized in various embodiments for the sensor systems described herein.

The module 22 may also have one or more communication interfaces to connect to the external device 110 to transfer data, e.g., to process as described below and shown in FIG. Such interfaces may include any of the contact or noncontact interfaces described above. In one example, the module 22 includes at least one pluggable USB connection for connection to a computer. In another example, the module 22 may be of a structure for contact or non-contact connection to a mobile device, such as a watch, a cell phone, a portable music player, or the like. The module 22 may be structured to be removed from the footwear 100 and directly connected to the external device 110 for data transfer, for example, by the above-described pluggable USB connection or another connection interface . However, in another embodiment, the module 22 may be of a structure for wireless communication with the external device 110, so that the device 22 may remain on the footwear 100 if desired do. In a wireless embodiment, the module 22 may be coupled to an antenna for wireless communication. The antenna may have a shape, size, and position for use with a suitable transmission frequency for the selected wireless communication method. Additionally, the antenna may be located internally in the module 22 or external to the module 22, e.g., the port 14 or another location. In one example, the sensor system 12 itself (e.g., the lead portions 18 and the conductive portions of the sensors 16) may be used to form an antenna in whole or in part. It should be understood that the module 22 may include an antenna in addition to the antenna connected to one or more of the ports 14, the sensors 16, etc., somewhere in the sensor system 12. In one embodiment, the module 22 may be permanently mounted in the footwear 100, or otherwise may be removable at the user's choice and left in the footwear 100 if desired. Additionally, as further described below, the module 22 may be removed, or may be another module 22 that is programmed and / or configured to collect and / or utilize data from the sensors 16 in another manner, . ≪ / RTI > If the module 22 is permanently mounted in the footwear 100, the sensor system 12 includes an external port 15, such as a USB or FireWire port, that enables data transfer and / or battery charging. You may. The external port 15 may additionally or alternatively be used for the communication of information. In addition, the module 22 may be of a structure for non-contact charging, e.g., inductive charging. It should be appreciated that the module 22 may be of a structure for contact and / or non-contact communication.

While the port 14 can be placed in various positions without departing from the invention, the port 14 can be in various positions, for example, in the footwear article 100, such as the wearer walking down and / Is a structure provided in one position and orientation and / or avoiding, minimizing and / or stimulating contact of the wearer ' s foot. The positioning of the port 14 in Figures 3-5 shows the above example. In another embodiment, the port 14 is located in the heel proximity position or in the instep area of the shoe 100. Other features of the footwear structure 100 may include reducing or avoiding contact between the foot of the wearer and the port 14 (or an element connected to the port 14), improving overall comfort of the footwear structure 100 It may help to do. For example, as shown in Figs. 4-5, the foot contact member 133, or other foot contact member, may fit or at least partially cover the port 14, (14). Additional features may be used to reduce contact of the port 14 at the wearer's feet and to coordinate any unwanted feelings. Of course, if desired, it may provide an opening for the port 14 through the top surface of the foot-contacting member 133 without departing from the invention. Such an arrangement is particularly advantageous when, for example, the housing 24, the electronic module 22, and other functions of the port 14 comprise structural parts and / or are made of a material for coordinating the feel at the user's feet , Providing additional elements to tune comfort and feel, and the like. It is also possible to provide any of the various properties described above that help to reduce or avoid contact between the foot of the wearer and the housing (or elements received in the housing) and improve the overall comfort of the footwear structure without departing from the invention Includes other known methods and techniques as well as the various features described above in conjunction with Figures 4-5.

In one embodiment, in the case where the port 14 is in a structure for contacting communication with a module 22 included in a well 135 within the sole structure 130, Is located within or proximate to the well 135 for connection to the source (22). If the well 135 further includes a housing 24 for the module 22, it is possible to provide interconnections between the interface 20 and the module 22 by providing physical space for the interface 20, It is to be understood that the housing 24 may be structured to connect to the interface 20 by providing hardware for the interface 20. The positioning of the interface 20 in FIG. 3 illustrates one such example, wherein the housing 24 provides a physical space for receiving the interface 20 to connect to the module 22 .

6 shows a schematic diagram of an example of an electronic module 22 that includes data transmission / reception capability via a data transmission / reception system 106, which may be used in accordance with at least some examples of the present invention. While the structural examples of FIG. 6 illustrate a data transmission / reception system (TX-RX, 106) integrated into the electronic module structure 22, those skilled in the art will recognize that data transmission / It will be appreciated that separate components for purposes may be included as part of the footwear structure 100 or other structure and that the data transmission / reception system 106 need not be entirely contained within a single housing or a single package. Rather, the data transmission / reception system 106 of the various components or elements may be separate from one another in different housings, on different boards, and / or in various different ways without departing from the present invention, if desired, and / Or may be separately connected to the footwear article 100 or other device. Various examples of different potential mounting structures are described in greater detail below.

In the example of FIG. 6, the electronic module 22 may include a data transmission / reception element 106 for transmitting and / or receiving data to and / or from one or more remote systems. In one embodiment, the transmitting / receiving element 106 is a structure for communication via the port 14, for example by the contact or non-contact interfaces described above. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the module 22 includes an interface 23 which is a structure for connecting to the port 14 and / or the sensors 16. In the module 22 shown in FIG. 3, the interface 23 has contacts and complementary contacts on the interface 20 of the port 14 to connect with the port 14. In other embodiments, as described above, the port 14 and the module 22 may include different types of interfaces 20, 23, which may be wired or wireless. It should be appreciated that in some embodiments the module 22 may form an interface with the port 14 and / or sensors 16 via the TX-RX element 106. Thus, in one embodiment, the module 22 may be external to the footwear 100, and the port 14 may include a wireless transmitter interface for communicating with the module 22. The example electronic module 22 further includes a processing system 202 (e.g., one or more microprocessors), a memory system 204, and a power source 206 (e.g., a battery or power source). The power source 206 may provide power to the sensors 16 and / or other components of the sensor system 12. The shoe 100 may operate the sensors 16 as needed, including a power source, such as a battery, piezoelectric, solar power supply, or otherwise, in place of a separate additional.

The connection to one or more sensors may be accomplished via the TX-RX element 106 and additional sensors (not shown) may be provided to sense or provide data or information regarding a wide variety of parameters have. Examples of the data or information include physical or physiological data associated with the use or user of the footwear item 100, such as pedestrian speed and / or distance information, other speed and / or distance data sensor information, temperature, Altitude, barometric pressure, humidity, GPS data, accelerometer output or data, heart rate, pulse rate, blood pressure, body temperature, EKG data, EEG data, angular orientation related data and angular orientation related changes (eg, gyroscope based sensors) And this data may be stored in memory 204 and / or may be made available, for example, to some remote location or system for transmission by the transmission / reception system 106. The presence of additional sensor (s) may also include an accelerometer (e.g., directional changes during the step, e.g., pedestrian speed and / or distance information, for jump heights, etc.).

As further examples, the various types of electronic modules, systems, and methods described above may provide autoshock reduction control for footwear articles. Such systems and methods may operate, for example, as described in U.S. Patent No. 6,430,843, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2003/0009913, and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2004/0177531, (U.S. Patent No. 6,430,843, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2003/0009913, and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2004/0177531, hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entirety) disclose systems and methods for actively and / That specialization is merged and forms part of it). When used to provide speed and / or distance category information, it may be used to sense units, algorithms, and / or systems of the types described in U.S. Patent Nos. 5,724,265, 5,955,667, 6,018,705, 6,052,654, 6,876,947, and 6,882,955 . Each of these patents is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

In the embodiment of FIG. 6, the electronic module 22 may include an activation system (not shown). The activation system or parts thereof may be coupled with the module 22 or other parts of the electronic module 22 or separately from the footwear article 100 (or other device). The activation system may be used to selectively activate at least some functions (e.g., data transmission / reception functions, etc.) of the electronic module 22 and / or the electronic module 22. A wide variety of activation systems may be used without departing from the invention. In one example, the sensor system 12 activates the sensors 16 in a specific pattern, e.g., with continuous or alternate toe / heel taps, or with a threshold force exerted by one or more sensors 16, And / or deactivated. In another example, the sensor system 12 may be located on the module 22, on the shoe 100, or on an external device in communication with the sensor system 12, as well as other locations , Or may be activated by a button or a switch. In any of these embodiments, the sensor system 12 may include a " sleep " mode that may deactivate the system 12 after an inactive setting period. In one embodiment, the sensor system 12 may return to the " sleep " mode if no additional activity occurs in a short time after activation, in an unintended activation case. In an alternative embodiment, the sensor system 12 may operate as a low power device that does not activate or deactivates.

The module 22 may additionally be configured to communicate with the external device 110, which may be an external computer or computer system, a mobile device, a game system, or any other type of electronic device, have. The exemplary external device 110 shown in Figure 6 includes a processor 302, a memory 304, a power supply 306, a display 308, a user input 310, and a data transmission / . The transmission / reception system 108 may communicate via the transmission / reception system 106 of the module 22 via any type of known electronic communication, including the contact and non-contact communication methods described above and elsewhere herein, And communicates with the module 22. The module 22 may be a structure for communicating with a plurality of external devices, including electronic devices of a wide variety of types and configurations, and the device (s) to which the module 22 communicates may change over time . Additionally, the transmitting / receiving system 106 of the module 22 may be a plurality of different types of electronic communication structures. As described herein, the external device 110 may include one or more intermediate devices that communicate information to the external device 110, such as the module 22, the port 14, and / or two or more external It should be appreciated that the processes, programs / algorithms execution, and other functions of the external device 110 may be performed by a combination of external devices.

Many different kinds of sensors can be integrated into the sensor system according to the present invention. Figures 7-10 illustrate a method for shoe structure 130 for a shoe 100 that includes a sensor system 212 that includes a sensor assembly 213 that includes a plurality of force-sense resistor (FSR) An exemplary embodiment is shown. The sensor system 212 is similar to the sensor system 12 described above and includes a port 14 that communicates with the electronic module 22 and a plurality of sensors 228 that couple the FSR sensors 216 to the port 14. [ Lead (218). The module 22 is contained in a well or a housing 24 within the sole structure 130 of the shoe 100 and the port 14 is formed in the well 135, Is connected to the well (135) which allows it to be connected to the module (22). The port 14 and the module 22 include complementary interfaces 220 and 223 for connection and communication. Sensors 216 and sensor leads 218 of the sensor system 212 are positioned over the inserts 237 that are adapted to engage the sole structure 130. 7-10, the insert 237 is located on the top of the middle 131 between the foot contacting member 133 and the middle 131 of the sole structure 130, (24) is located in the well (135) of the middle window (131) and is covered by the foot contact member (133). During assembly, the insert 237 connects the upper member 120 to the midsole 131 and the outer window 132, and then, while manufacturing the shoe 100, And the foot contact member 133 is insertable onto the sensor system 212 even though other assembly methods are available. In other embodiments, the sensor system 212 may be configured or positioned differently, for example by placing the insert 237, the sensors 216, and / or the port 14 at different locations to be. For example, the well 135, the housing 24, and / or the port 14 may be located entirely or partially within the foot contacting member 133 as shown in FIG. 5, The sensor system 212 and / or the insert 237 may be located on top of the foot contact member 133. Any of the sensor systems, including any types and configurations of sensors, ports, inserts, etc., as shown and described in U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2010/0063778 and 2010/0063779, all filed June 12, Configurations are available, the applications of which are incorporated herein by reference and are incorporated herein by reference. The sensor system 12 shown in FIGS. 3-5 is described herein, including the sensor system 212 of FIGS. 7-10, or any configuration shown and described in US Patent Application Publication Nos. 2010/0063778 and 2010/0063779. It is to be understood that the present invention may have a configuration similar to that of any other configuration.

7-10, the sensor system 212 includes four sensors 216, wherein the first sensor 216 is located in the first phalanx (the big toe) region and the second sensor 216 is located in the first phalange The third sensor 216 is located in the fifth metatarsal head region, and the fourth sensor 216 is located in the heel region. Each of the sensors 216 includes a sensor lead 218 that connects the sensor 216 to the port 14. Also, a power lead 218A extends from the port 14 and is connected to all four sensors 216. [ The power lead 218A may be connected in parallel, series, or other configurations in various embodiments, and each sensor 216 may be provided with a separate power lead in another embodiment. All of the leads 218 and 218A are connected to the port 14 for connection and data transfer to the module 22 connected to the port 14. It will be appreciated that the port 14 may have any configuration as described herein. In this embodiment, the leads 218, 218A are suitably positioned for a 5-pin connection.

The FSR sensors 216 shown in Figures 7-9 include first and second electrodes or electrical contacts 240 and 242 and a force-sensing resistive material 244 located between the electrodes 240 and 242 The electrodes 240 and 242 may be electrically connected together. When the force / pressure is applied to the force-sensing material 244, the resistance and / or conductivity of the force-sensing material 244 changes, which changes the potential and / or current between the electrodes 240 and 242 . A change in resistance can be sensed by the sensor system 212 to sense the force applied on the sensor 216. The force-sensing resistive material 244 can change its resistance in various ways under pressure. For example, the force-sensing material 244 may have an internal resistance that decreases when the material is compressed, similar to the quantum tunneling composite material described in greater detail below. Further compression of this material results in a further reduction of the resistance, which enables binary (on / off) measurements as well as quantitative measurements. In some circumstances, this kind of force-sensing resistive habit can be described as a " volume based resistance ", and the material exhibiting such habit may be referred to as a " smart material ". In another example, the material 244 may change the resistance by varying the degree of surface-facing surface contact. This may be achieved by using microprotrusions on the surface that raise the surface resistance to an uncompressed state where the surface resistances decrease when the microprotrusions are compressed, or by using flexible leads that can be deformed to create increased surface- Can be achieved in many ways, such as by using electrodes. This surface resistance is determined by the resistance between the material 244 and the electrodes 240 and 242 and / or between the conductive layer (e.g., carbon / graphite) of the multi-layer material 244 and the force-sensing layer Resistance. As the compression increases, the surface-to-surface contact increases, resulting in lower resistance and enabling quantitative measurement. In some circumstances, this kind of force-sensing resistor habits may be described as " contact-based resistance ". It should be understood that the force-sensing resistive material 244 as defined herein may be or include doped or undoped semiconductor material.

The electrodes 240 and 242 of the FSR sensor 216 may be formed of a variety of materials including metals, carbon / graphite fibers or composites, other conductive composites, polymers including conductive polymers or conductive materials, conductive ceramics, And may be formed of any conductive material including any other conductive material. The leads 218 may be formed by any suitable method including welding, soldering, brazing, adhesive bonding, fasteners, or any other integrated or non- And 242, respectively. Alternatively, the electrodes 240 and 242 and the associated lead 218 may be integrally formed of the same material. As described below, in one embodiment, the force sensing resistive material 244 can be carbon (e.g., carbon black), but other types of sensors can be used with other types of force-sensing resistive materials 244, such as quantum tunneling composites, Custom conductive foams, force-transforming rubbers, and other force-sensing resistive materials described herein.

7-9, the electrodes 240, 242 of the FSR sensor 216 include a plurality of interlocking or intermeshing fingers 246 coupled to a force-sensing Resistive material 244 to electrically connect the electrodes 240 and 242 to each other. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, each of the leads 218 independently provides power to the sensor 216 to which each individual lead 218 is connected from the module 22. The sensor leads 218 may include individual leads extending from the respective electrodes 240 and 242 to the port 14 and the module 22 may be coupled to the individual leads through the individual leads, It should also be understood that electrical power may be supplied to the electrodes 240, 242 via the individual power lead 218A.

Force-sense resistors suitable for use in the sensor system 212 are commercially available from sources such as Sensitronics. Examples of force-sensing resistors suitable for use are shown and described in U.S. Patent Nos. 4,314,227 and 6,531,951, both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety and form part thereof.

In the embodiment of the sensor system 212 shown in Figures 7-10, each sensor 216 includes two conductive layers of a conductive metal layer and a carbon layer (such as carbon black) forming a contact surface on a metal layer And includes contact portions 240 and 242. The sensors 216 also include a force-sensing resistive material 244 made of a carbon puddle or layer (such as carbon black) in contact with the carbon contact surface of the electrodes 240, 242. By the carbon contact on the carbon, the conductivity under pressure can be further increased, so that the effect of the sensors 216 can be increased. The leads 218 and 218A of the present embodiment are made of a conductive metal material that can be the same as the material of the metal layer of the contact portions 240 and 242. In one embodiment, the metal layers of the lead (218, 218A) and the contacts (240, 242) are made of silver.

9, in this embodiment, the sensor system 212 includes an insertion member 237 (see FIG. 9) inserted in between the foot contact member 133 and the middle member 131, for example, as described above, And two flexible layers 241 and 245 coupled to form a plurality of flexible layers 241 and 245, respectively. The layers 241, 245 may be formed of any flexible material, such as a flexible polymeric material. In one embodiment, the layers 241 and 245 are formed of a flexible thin film Mylar material having a thickness of 0.05 to 0.2 mm. The insert 237 is first deposited by depositing a conductive metal material onto the first layer 241 with the trace patterns of the electrodes 240 and 242 of the sensors 216 and the leads 218 and 218A Thereby forming the structure shown in Figs. 7-9. 9, a layer of additional carbon contact is deposited on the first layer 241 along the traces of the electrodes 240, 242 of the sensors 216, and a carbon force-sensing A resistive material 244 is deposited on the second layer 245 as a puddle. After depositing all the materials, the layers 241 and 245 are positioned in an overlapping manner as shown in FIG. 9 so that the electrodes 240 and 242 are aligned with the puddles of the force-sensing resistive material 244 Thereby forming an insertion member 237 for insertion into the footwear article 100. The conductive metal material and the carbon material 244 are deposited on the surfaces of the facing layers 266 and 268 (the top surfaces of the bottom layers 266 and 268 and the bottom surfaces of the top layers 266 and 268) I hope. In one embodiment, the sensor system 212 configured in this manner can detect pressures in the range of 10 to 750 kPa. In addition, the sensor system 212 is capable of detecting pressure with high sensitivity over at least a portion of this range. The insertion member 237 may further include one or more additional layers, for example, a graphic layer (not shown).

Figures 11-85 illustrate the use of the available modules 22 in conjunction with the ports as well as the ports 14 available in the sensor systems 12, 212 or other sensor system embodiments shown in Figures 1-10. Lt; RTI ID = 0.0 > embodiment. ≪ / RTI > Some of these embodiments may include reinforcement structures and other specific structures for the ports 14, modules 22, and other components. Any of the above embodiments may be adapted to provide alternate or additional reinforcement structures or other structures, including the structures and features described herein, as well as structures and features not described herein. Figs. 11-18A illustrate an embodiment of a usable port 314 in connection with sensor system 312 in accordance with aspects and features described herein. Figures 11-18A illustrate a port 314 as part of a sensor system 312 that is similar in construction to the sensor system 212 described above wherein the first phalanx (big toe) region, the first metatarsal head region, The fifth metatarsal head region, and the four sensors 316 located in the heel region. The sensors 316 may be FSR sensors or other types of sensors, as described above, and in one embodiment, the sensor system 312 may utilize two or more different types of sensors. The sensors 316 and the leads 318 are located on an insert 337 that is positioned to engage the midsole member 131 of the sole structure 130 of the footwear article including the power lead 318A , Similar to the sensor system 212 described above and shown in Figures 7-10. In addition, the port 314 includes an interface 320 for electrically connecting to the electronic module 322 and all ends of the sensor leads 318 and 318A are located at the interface 320. [ The port 314 is at least partially received in the well 135 within the sole structure 130 and in this embodiment the well 135 is located entirely within the sole member 131. [

One embodiment of the electronic module 322 as described above is shown in Figures 11-18A. As shown in Figs. 14 to 17, the module 322 generally has a rectangular front end and a circular rear end. As shown in FIGS. 12-18, the module 322 also has a lip or flange 351 that is positioned around the circular rear end and extends outwardly from the body of the module 322. The module 322 has an interface 323 having at its front end one or more electrical contacts 353 and being adapted to make an electrical connection with the interface 320 of the port 314. In this embodiment, the contacts 353 are in the form of electrical contact springs 353 having contact surfaces 354 that extend slightly outward from the module 322. The module 322 may include additional features described herein as in Figures 6 and 86, including any necessary hardware and software for data collection, processing and / or transmission.

11-18A, the port 314 includes a housing 324 adapted to be received in the well 135 of the sole structure 130 and an interface 320 coupled to the housing 324. In this embodiment, . 11, the housing 324 is coupled to the insert 337 of the sensor system 312 and is positioned in the opening 347 in the insert 337 to receive the insert 337, Lt; / RTI > In other embodiments, the housing 324 is configured differently for the insert 337, e.g., positioned below the insert 337 such that the insert 337 is lifted to the housing 324, . The housing 324 has a chamber 348 that is restricted by the plurality of sidewalls 339 and the bottom wall 343 and is adapted to receive the module 322 therein. Although the chamber 348 is substantially rectangular and one sidewall is limited by four sidewalls 339 that are curved similarly to the rear end of the module 322 in the present embodiment, In embodiments, it may have a different shape, for example in some embodiments described below. The well 135 may be a complementary dimension to the housing 324 and the housing 324 and may further include a coupling material (e.g., resilient material) or other connection to secure the housing 324 and / / RTI > and / or other components may be immobilized in the well 135. [ It should be appreciated that if the housing 324 is not used, the well 135 may be a dimension that secures the module 322 in the same manner. The same applies to other housings, wells, and modules described herein for other embodiments, any of which may include structures having the complementary dimensions.

The housing 324 also includes a reinforcement structure for retaining the module 322 in the chamber 348. In this embodiment, the reinforcing structure includes a reinforcing member 349 that tightens the module 322 and is adapted to apply a downward bending force to the module 322. The reinforcing member 349 includes one or more flexible reinforcing tabs 349. In the embodiment shown in Figures 11-18A the housing 324 is provided at the opposite end of the chamber 348 at the interface 320 with one reinforcement located at the circular side wall 339 of the chamber 348 And a tab 349. 12 and 13, the module 322 first places the module 322 in front of it, brings the module interface 323 closer to the port interface 320, and then presses down the back of the module 322 May be inserted into the chamber 348. The reinforcing tab 349 is flexible and has sloping surfaces 349A that help guide the module 322 and allow the module 322 to pass therethrough so that the tab 349 is in contact with the module 322 Is received in the notch 350 to reinforce the module 322 into the chamber 348. In addition, the connection between the tab 349 and the module 322 exerts an upward force on the module 322 to push the interface 323 of the module into contact with the interface 320 of the port 314 .

In the present embodiment, the housing 324 also has a recess 352 formed by a circular platform 352A located in the circular side wall 339 of the housing 324. [ When the module 322 is received in the chamber 348 a lip 351 of the module 322 is received at least partially in the recess 352 and the recess 352 is received in the module 322 Provides a space to be connected by the user. To remove the module 322, the module 322 is pulled or lifted from the chamber 348 using the lip 351 to move the tab 349 to the notch 350 of the module 322, To allow the module 322 to fall out of the chamber 348. In this way,

The interface 320 is coupled to the housing 324 and is adjusted for electrical connection to the module interface 323 when the module 322 is received in the chamber 348. The interface 320 includes one or more electrical contacts 356 having contact surfaces 357 exposed to the chamber 348 and the contact surface 356 of the electrical contact (s) 353 of the module interface 323, (S) 354 to form an electrical connection. 11-18A, the contacts 356 of the interface 320 include contact pads 356 that are secured in place by a support structure 363 that engages the sensor leads 318. In one embodiment, And the contact pads 356 are fixedly positioned at the front end of the chamber 348 and the contact portions 353 of the module 322 are fastened as described above. The contact springs 353 of the module 322 may be flexible and slightly inwardly bent when fastening the contact pads 356 of the port interface 320. In addition, the contact springs 353 are deflected outward when bent by engagement with the contact pads 356, and the contact portions 353 of the module 322 and the contact portions of the port 314 RTI ID = 0.0 > 356 < / RTI > 12 and 13 illustrate that the contact springs 353 are bent.

In this embodiment, the support structure 363 secures the contacts 356 such that the contact surfaces 357 are at least partially exposed to the chamber 348 for engagement by the module 322 . The support structure 363 is connected to the housing 324 to appropriately position the contact portions 356. 12, 13 and 18A, the support structure 363 is connected to the side wall 339 at the front end of the housing 324 opposite the reinforcing tab 349. As shown in FIGS. In addition, the housing includes a slot 361 along a front side wall 339, which is a structure for receiving a mounting portion 363A of the support structure 363, to support the support structure 363 in the housing 324 And mounts the support structure 363 in the chamber. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 18A, the mounting portion 363A of the support structure 363 includes a plurality of legs 363A received in the slot 361. As shown in FIG. The contact portions 356 of the interface 320 are each connected to one of the sensor leads 318 and 318A of the sensor system 312 for communication between the sensors 316 and the module 322 It is for electrical connection. The sensor leads 318 and 318A are coupled together near the interface 320 with a band or strip 362 or other material of a mylar and the contacts 356 of the interface 320 are coupled together, And is connected to the support structure 363 which is adapted to be connected to the support structure 363. The support structure 363 has bent portions 363B that bend around the ends of the sensor leads 318, 318A to form an electrical connection. The bent portions 363B may extend through the band 362. The support structure 363 may be fastened to the contact pads 356 as shown in FIGS. In other embodiments, the sensor leads 318, 318A may be connected to the interface 320 in other manners, such as in the configurations for other embodiments described below.

Another embodiment of the port 414 is shown in Figures 19-21, which is shown in the well 135 in the midsole member 131 of the footwear article. Many of the features of this embodiment are similar or comparable to those of the port 314 described above and shown in Figures 11-18A and are not the same as " 3xx "used in the embodiment of Figures 11-18A, Reference is made to the features in order to utilize like reference numerals. Thus, the specific features of port 414 already described above with respect to port 314 in Figs. 11-18A may be described in less detail or may not be described at all. Additionally, the port 414 may be used to couple with any of the sensor systems 12, 212, 312 described above.

The port 414 has an interface 420 with an electrical contact (not shown) located within the boot or sleeve 471 that extends into the well 135 of the middle window 131. In this embodiment, The port 414 does not include a housing in this embodiment and the well 135 serves as a chamber for receiving the module 422 although the housing 414 may be provided in other embodiments . The module 422 has a shape that is approximately the same as the well 135 or a complementarily dimensioned shape for the well. The module 422 has a plug 471A with an interface 423 on its surface that includes electrical contact pads 453. The plug 471A is configured to be received within the boot 471 and the boot 471 is pivoted in the well 135 to facilitate connection with the module 422, It is possible or mobile. When the plug 471A is received in the boot 471, the interface 423 of the module 422 engages the interface 420 of the port 414 to form an electrical connection. The module 422 and boots 471 can then be pivoted downward to fit the module 422 snugly into the wells 135. Removal of module 422 may be accomplished by reversing this operation. It will be appreciated that interface 420 of port 414 may be coupled to sensor system 12, 212, 312 as described above. The boot 471 may also be partially or completely made of an elastomeric polymer material that is compressed when the plug 471A is inserted into the boot 471 to create a tight fit seal. In the present embodiment, it can be appreciated that such a seal may be a flared or waterproof type or a flared and waterproof type. This applies equally to other embodiments of the conformable and / or waterproof type described herein. In addition, either or both of the module 422 and the well 135 may include an elastomeric polymeric material at the corresponding fastening surface to keep the module 422 snugly in the well 135.

22-24 illustrate another embodiment of the port 514 illustrated within the well 135 in the midsole member 131 of the footwear article. Many of the features of this embodiment should be similar or comparable to those of the port 314 shown in Figs. 11 to 18A and described above, and these features may be compared to the " 3xx " Are referred to using similar reference numerals in the " 5xx " series of reference numerals. Accordingly, some features of the port 514 already described for the port 314 of Figs. 11A-18A may be less or no description at all. In addition, port 514 may be used with any of the sensor systems 12, 212, 312 described above.

In this embodiment, the port 514 has an interface 520 with an electrical contact 556 located on the plug 569. In one embodiment, the plug 569 may be in the form of a mylar strip that is treated with a rigid coating and extends over the well 135 in the middle 131. The port 514 does not include a housing in this embodiment and the well 135 serves as a chamber for receiving the module 522 although the housing may be provided in the port 514 in other embodiments . The module 522 has a shape complementary to the shape of the well 135. The module 522 includes an interface 523 within an opening 569A at its end, including an electrical contact in the form of a foam connection strip (e.g., a zebra strip) (not shown). The opening 569A has a dimension for removably receiving the plug 569. [ When the module 522 is inserted into the well 135, the plug 569 is received in the opening 569A on the module 522 and the interface 523 of the module 522 is received And is coupled with the interface 520 of the port 514 to form an electrical connection. The well 135 becomes large so that the module 522 can be inserted such that the plug 569 is received in the opening 569A by causing the module 522 to slide in the forward direction. The well 135, module 522, or other components may have a " lead-in " shape to induce connection, which may include flaring, such as floating the complementary groove and ridge and / or opening 569A . The plugs 569 and openings 569A may also have a dimension to maintain an appropriate electrical connection, respectively, as the module 522 slides within the large well 135. The well 135 may be loosened to facilitate detachable insertion or may be smaller than the module 522 in terms of the dimension of the one moving piece, generally to improve retention. It will be appreciated that interface 520 of port 514 may be coupled to sensor system 12, 212, 312 as described above. The opening 569A also includes an elastic polymeric material that is compressed when the plug 569 is inserted into the opening 569A to create a tight seal. The module 522 also has detents 572 on its top surface to facilitate manipulation by the user's fingers.

25-27 illustrate another embodiment of the port 614, illustrated in the well 135 in the midsole member 131 of the footwear article. Many of the features of this embodiment should be similar or comparable to those of the port 314 shown in Figs. 11 to 18A and described above, and these features may be compared to the " 3xx " Are referred to using similar reference numerals in the " 6xx " series of reference numerals. Accordingly, some features of the port 614 already described with respect to the port 314 of Figs. 11A-18A may be less or no description at all. Port 614 may also be used with any of the sensor systems 12, 212, 312 described above.

In this embodiment, the port 614 has an interface 620 with an electrical contact (not shown) located within the boot or sleeve 671 that extends into the well 135 of the middle window 131. The port 614 does not include a housing in this embodiment and the well 135 serves as a chamber for receiving the module 622 although the housing can be provided in the port 614 in other embodiments . The module 622 has a shape complementary to that of the well 135. Module 622 has a plug 671A with an interface 623 that includes an electrical contact pad 653 on its surface. The plug 671A is configured to be received within a boot 671 that is securely fixed to one end of the well 135. [ When the plug 671A is received in the boot 671, the interface 623 of the module 622 engages the interface 620 of the port 614 to form an electrical connection. The well 135 is oversized in the longitudinal direction so that the module 622 can be inserted into the well 135 by sliding the plug 671A into the boot 671 as shown in Fig. . As such, the large well 135 enables detachable insertion and sliding in the longitudinal direction. For lateral dimensions, the wells 135 can be made compact to improve the retention of the module 622. [ It will be appreciated that interface 620 of port 614 may be connected to sensor system 12, 212, 312 as described above. The boot 671 may also be partially or wholly made of an elastomeric polymer material that is compressed when the plug 671A is inserted into the boot 671 to create a tight seal. The boot 671 may also or alternatively include a plastic that is sufficiently " snap " characterized to provide tactile feedback to the user (e.g., for maximum insertion) and / or as a retaining structure. In addition, either or both of the module 422 and the well 135 may include an elastomeric polymeric material on the corresponding fastening surface to keep the module 422 in place in the well 135.

28 and 29 illustrate another embodiment of the port 714 shown as being received within the well 135 in the midsole member 131 of the footwear article. Many of the features of this embodiment should be similar or comparable to those of the port 314 shown in Figs. 11 to 18A and described above, and these features may be compared to the " 3xx " Are referenced using like reference numerals in the " 7xx " series of reference numbers. Accordingly, some features of the port 714 already described for the port 314 of Figs. 11-18A may be less or no description at all. In addition, port 714 may be used with any of the sensor systems 12, 212, 312 described above.

The port 714 has an interface 720 having an electrical contact pad 756 on the bottom wall 743 of the housing 724. In this embodiment, The housing 724 has a chamber 748 defined by a plurality of side walls 739 and a bottom wall 743. In one embodiment, the housing 724 is square or rectangular at one end and is round at the other end. The housing 724 may be rigid, semi-rigid, or having a stiffness selected from among its components. Module 722 and chamber 748 have complementary fastening features. In one embodiment, the complementary fastening configuration provides frictional engagement or facilitates frictional engagement when module 722 is inserted into chamber 748. In one or more embodiments, the rigidity and other physical properties of the module 722 and the housing 724 are provided to provide friction fit or to facilitate friction fit. Module 722 includes an interface 723 on the underside that includes a contact pad 753 but may alternatively include a contact spring or other type of electrical contact. When module 722 is inserted into the housing, the interface of the module engages interface 720 of port 714 to form an electrical connection. It will be appreciated that interface 720 of port 714 may be coupled to sensor system 12, 212, 312 as described above. The module 722 may also have an elastic ridge or other structure 765 that is compressed around one or more of the edges when the module 722 is inserted into the housing 724. In one embodiment, the resilient structure can be disposed completely or partially around each edge of the module. In this and other embodiments (e.g., an embodiment with or without module 722 having structure 765), housing 724 can be, for example, Or in various combinations, one or more resilient ridges or structures 765 disposed on one or more of the walls of the housing. In embodiments, housing 724 and module 722 may each have one or more resilient ridges (s) or other structure (s). In some of these embodiments, the structures 765 may include, for example, (i) (e.g., the housing structure 765 may be disposed on a wall adjacent the bottom of the chamber 748, (I) the module 722 is inserted into the chamber 748 and / or (ii) the module 722 is inserted into the chamber 748. The module 762 may be disposed adjacent the upper surface of the chamber, They may be complementarily shaped and / or arranged so as to match each other. Any one of these elastic ridge (s) or structure (s) 765 may be used to improve the friction fit between the module 722 and the walls 739 of the housing 724 and / It will be understood that the present invention may be modified in various ways. Housing 724 also includes a notch 765A on one of the sidewalls 739 to facilitate removal of module 722 using a finger nail or screwdriver or other tool Lt; / RTI > In this optional embodiment, one or more elastic structures 765 may be arranged to provide a seal between notch 765A and chamber 748. [

Figures 30 and 31 illustrate another embodiment of the port 814 shown as being received within the well 135 in the midsole member 131 of the footwear article. Many of the features of this embodiment should be similar or comparable to those of the port 314 shown in Figs. 11 to 18A and described above, and these features may be compared to the " 3xx " Are referred to using similar reference numerals in the " 8xx " series of reference numerals. Accordingly, some of the features of port 814 already described with respect to port 314 of Figs. 11-18A may be less or no description at all. Also, port 814 may be used with any of the sensor systems 12, 212, 312 described above.

The port 814 includes an interface 820 having an electrical contact pad 856 on a post 866 that extends upwardly from the bottom wall 843 of the housing 824. In this embodiment, Housing 824 may be a semi-rigid structure in one embodiment and may include a chamber 848 defined by a plurality of side walls 839 and a bottom wall 843 having a square or rectangular shape at one end and a rounded shape at the other end. Respectively. The chamber 848 may have a different shape in other embodiments. The module 822 has the same shape as the chamber 848. The module 822 includes an interface 823 on the underside of the module, which may include contact pads, contact springs, or other types of electrical contacts. The module 822 also includes a recess 866A on the underside and the contact 853 of the interface 823 is located in the recess 866A. When the module 822 is inserted into the housing, the posts 866 of the housing 824 are received in the recess 866A of the module 822 and the interface 823 of the module 822 is received by the interface of the posts 814 (820) to form an electrical connection. It will be appreciated that interface 820 of port 814 may be coupled to sensor system 12, 212, 312 as described above. The housing 824 also surrounds the periphery of the post 866 such that the module 822 is positioned within the housing 824 to improve frictional fit with the recess of the module 822 and create a tight seal. And has a gasket 865 or other elastomeric structure that is compressed upon insertion. Module 822 may have an elastomeric seal to perform the same function (s) in addition to or in place of the elastomeric gasket 865 of housing 824. The housing 824 also has a notch 865A in one of the sidewalls 839 to facilitate removal of the module 822 using finger nails or a screwdriver or other tool or the like. In this optional embodiment, one or more elastic structures can be arranged to provide a seal between the notch 865A and the chamber 848. [

Figures 32-34 illustrate another embodiment of the port 914 shown as being received within the well 135 in the midsole member 131 of the footwear article. Many of the features of this embodiment should be similar or comparable to those of the port 314 shown in Figs. 11 to 18A and described above, and these features may be compared to the " 3xx " Are referred to using similar reference numerals in the " 9xx " series of reference numerals. Accordingly, some features of the port 914 already described with respect to the port 314 of Figs. 11-18A may be less or no description at all. Also, port 914 may be used with any of the sensor systems 12, 212, 312 described above.

In this embodiment, the port 914 has an interface 920 having electrical contact pads 956 that are circular and concentrically arranged on the bottom wall 943 of the housing 924. The housing 924 is a semi-rigid structure in one embodiment and includes side walls 939 having a circular or generally circular cross-section so that the walls 939 and 943 form a cylindrical or approximately cylindrical chamber, Lt; RTI ID = 0.0 > 948 < / RTI > Module 922 also has a disk shape such that module 922 and chamber 948 have complementary fastening features. The module 922 includes an interface 923 on the underside of the module that may include annular contact pads 953 but may include contact springs, other types of contact pads, or other types of electrical contacts. The interface 920 of port 914 may have similar contact structures. The module 922 also includes protrusions 967 on opposite sides of the module and the housing includes long ramp-shaped grooves 968 extending downward from the top of the housing 924 to the side wall 939 . 33, the protrusions 967 of the module 922 are received in the grooves 968 and then the module 922 is rotated to disengage the protrusions 967, Moves within the grooves 968 to lock the module 922 into the housing 924. [ The lock may occur in a predetermined rotation, e. G., A quarter turn. The connection between the protrusions 967 and the grooves 968 may also be improved by an additional structure such as a biasing member (not shown) that engages the module 922, Is urged into the grooves 968 by a member. Module 922 includes a slot 969 on the top surface that can be fastened by a finger, a coin, or a tool to rotate module 922 to insert and remove module 922 relative to housing 924. The interface of module 922, once locked, engages interface 920 of port 914 to form an electrical connection. It will be appreciated that interface 920 of port 914 may be coupled to sensor system 12, 212, 312 as described above. The module 922 also has an elastic ridge, gasket, or other structure 965 that is compressed when the module 922 is inserted into the housing 924, around the edge of the lower surface of the module, to create a tight seal . The housing 924 may also or alternatively include such an elastic structure.

35-37 illustrate another embodiment of the port 1014 shown as being received within the well 135 in the midsole member 131 of the footwear article. Many of the features of this embodiment should be similar or comparable to those of the port 314 shown in Figs. 11 to 18A and described above, and these features may be compared to the " 3xx " Are referenced using similar reference numerals in the " 10xx " series of reference numbers. Accordingly, some features of the port 1014 already described with respect to the port 314 of Figs. 11 to 18A may be less or no description at all. Port 1014 may also be used with any of the sensor systems 12, 212, 312 described above.

The port 1014 includes electrical contact pads 1056 located on the plug 1069 connected to the flexible band or strip of the mylar 1062 extending over the well 135 of the middle window 131. In this embodiment, Lt; RTI ID = 0.0 > 1020 < / RTI > The port 1014 does not include a housing in this embodiment and the well 135 serves as a chamber for receiving the module 1022 although the housing may be provided in the port 1014 in other embodiments . Module 1022 has the same shape as well 135. The module 1022 has an interface 1023, which includes electrical contact pads 1053, on the top surface of the module. The module 1022 also includes a concave portion 1069A on the upper surface and the contact portions 1053 of the interface 1023 are located in the concave portion 1069A. When the module 1022 is inserted into the well 135, the plug 1069 is received in the recess 1069A of the module 1022, as shown in Figures 36 and 37, 1023 engage the interface 1020 of the port 1014 to form an electrical connection. Band 1062 is a. Is flexible enough to move the plug 1069 to facilitate insertion of the module 1022, as shown in Fig. It will be appreciated that interface 1020 of port 1014 may be coupled to sensor system 12, 212, 312 as described above. The plug 1069 may also be formed of an elastomeric material that is compressed when the plug 1069 is inserted into the recess 1069A to provide a tight seal against water. The plug 1069 may include a divot for removing the plug 1069 as described above.

38 and 39 illustrate another embodiment of the port 1114 shown as being received within the well 135 in the midsole member 131 of the footwear article. Many of the features of this embodiment should be similar or comparable to those of the port 314 shown in Figs. 11 to 18A and described above, and these features may be compared to the " 3xx " Are referenced using similar reference numerals in the " 11xx " series of reference numerals. Accordingly, some features of the port 1114 already described with respect to the port 314 of Figures 11 to 18A may be less or no description at all. Port 1114 may also be used with any of the sensor systems 12, 212, 312 described above.

The port 1114 has an interface 1120 with electrical contact pads (not shown) located on a rigid plug 1169 that extends over the well 135 of the middle window 131 .

The port 1114 does not include a housing in this embodiment and the well 135 functions as a chamber for receiving the module 1122 although the housing 1114 may be provided with the port 1114 in other embodiments . Module 1122 has the same shape as well 135. The module 1122 includes an interface 1123 including the electrical contact pads 1153 on the upper surface of the module. The module 1122 also includes a concave portion 1169A on the upper surface and the contact portions 1153 of the interface 1123 are located in the concave portion 1169A. When the module 1122 is inserted into the well 135, the plug 1169 is received in the concave portion 1169A of the module 1122 and the interface (not shown) of the module 1122 1123 engage the interface 1120 of the port 1114 to form an electrical connection. The module 1122 is inserted by sliding under the rigid plug 1169, as shown in Fig. It will be appreciated that interface 1120 of port 1114 may be coupled to sensor system 12, 212, 312 as described above. The plug 1169 may also have an elastomeric portion that is compressed when the plug 1169 is inserted into the recess 1169A to create a tight seal. The well 135 also has a notch 1165A on one of the sidewalls to facilitate removal of the module 1122 using finger nails, a screwdriver or other tool. In this optional embodiment, the at least one elastomeric structure may be arranged to provide a seal between the notch 1165A and the well 135.

Figs. 40-74 illustrate various configurations, such as port 1214, which is fastened to the sole structure 130 of the footwear article 100. Fig. The ports 1214 and the like are not shown with the housing as described above and the wells 135 of the midsole member 131 serve as chambers for receiving the modules 1222 and the like in each configuration. In other embodiments, however, other accommodating structures, such as a housing or liner, pocket, etc., may be used to partially or completely define a chamber for receiving the module 1222 or the like. Thus, it will be appreciated that any of the features of well 135 described below with respect to FIGS. 40-74 may be uniformly applied to a housing or similar receiving structure located within well 135. FIG. Each of the ports 1214 and the like shown in Figs. 40 to 74 described later has an interface 1220 or the like for connecting to the electronic module 1222 or the like, and as described above, It is understood that the interface 1220 and the like of the embodiment of FIG. 1 may be connected to the sensor system 12, 212, 312. Further, any of the elastomeric or other sealing structures of the embodiments of Figs. 40-74 described and / or shown as located on a surface may also or alternatively be located on another surface that engages the surface It can be understood that a seal can be formed.

40 shows another embodiment of a port 1214 shown as being received within the well 135 in the midsole member 131 of the footwear article. Many of the features of this embodiment should be similar or comparable to those of the port 314 shown in Figs. 11 to 18A and described above, and these features may be compared to the " 3xx " Are referred to using similar reference numerals in the " 12xx " series of reference numerals. Accordingly, some features of the port 1214 already described with respect to the port 314 of Figs. 11-18A may be less or no description at all. In this embodiment, the port 1214 has a USB style interface 1220 on the side of the well 135 and the module 1222 has a USB plug interface 1223 on the side of the module. The module 1222 further includes an elastic and flexible flange projection 1269 on the lower surface and the connector 1256 has an opening 1269A for receiving the projection 1269. [ When the USB interfaces 1220 and 1223 are connected together, the protrusion 1269 is received in the opening 1269A to further fix the connection.

41 and 42 illustrate another embodiment of the port 1314 shown as being received within the well 135 in the midsole member 131 of the footwear article. Many of the features of this embodiment should be similar or comparable to those of the port 314 shown in Figs. 11 to 18A and described above, and these features may be compared to the " 3xx " Are referenced using like reference numerals in the " 13xx " reference number series. Accordingly, some features of port 1314 already described for port 314 in Figures 11-18A may be less or no description at all. In this embodiment, the module 1322 includes an interface configured to connect to a port interface 1320 similar to the interface shown in Figures 38 and 39, or an interface configured to interface with the interface 1320, And has a configuration on the upper surface. In this embodiment, module 1322 includes wings 1381 on opposing sides that fit within grooves 1381A on the sides of well 135. When the module 1322 slides into the well 135, the wings 1381 engage the grooves 1381A to hold the module 1322 in the wells 135.

43 and 44 illustrate another embodiment of the port 1414 shown as being received within the well 135 in the midsole member 131 of the footwear article. Many of the features of this embodiment should be similar or comparable to those of the port 314 shown in Figs. 11 to 18A and described above, and these features may be compared to the " 3xx " Are referenced using like reference numerals in the " 14xx " reference number series. Accordingly, some of the features of port 1414 already described for port 314 in Figs. 11-18A may be less or no description at all. In this embodiment, the module 1422 has an interface on the top surface configured to be connected to a port interface 1420 similar to the interface shown in Figs. 38 and 39. Fig. In this embodiment, port interface 1420 includes a rigid platform 1469 that includes electrical contacts 1456 and module 1422 is plugged under platform 1469 and connected to interface 1420. 91, the platform 1469 can be inclined or deflected downward to apply additional pressure and retention force to the module 1422. [

45 and 46A show another embodiment of a port 1514 shown as being received within the well 135 in the midsole member 131 of the footwear article. Many of the features of this embodiment should be similar or comparable to those of the port 314 shown in Figs. 11 to 18A and described above, and these features may be compared to the " 3xx " Are referenced using like reference numerals in the " 15xx " reference number series. Accordingly, some features of the port 1514 already described with respect to the port 314 of Figs. 11-18A may be less or no description at all. In this embodiment, the port 1514 has an interface 1520 connected to an insertion member 1537 that includes a sensor system (not shown) as described above. The interface 1520 includes a rigid mylar connector that forms an electrical contact 1556 that extends upward. The module 1522 has an interface 1523 on the lower surface of the module. Once the module 1522 is inserted into the well 135 the interface 1523 of the module 1522 engages the contact portion 1556 of the port 1514 and accepts this contact to form an electrical connection with the interface 1520 . 46A, module 1522 and port 1514 may be inserted into wells 135 such that when modules 1522 are inserted into wells 135 to create a watertight seal that fits around interfaces 1520 and 1523, Ring 1565, which is made of an elastomeric material. In another embodiment, module 1522 and / or port 1514 may include a magnet or other locking / retaining device for further securing module 1522 with port 1514. [

47 and 48 illustrate another embodiment of the port 1614 shown as being received within the well 135 in the midsole member 131 of the footwear article. Many of the features of this embodiment should be similar or comparable to those of the port 314 shown in Figs. 11 to 18A and described above, and these features may be compared to the " 3xx " Are referenced using similar reference numerals in the " 16xx " series of reference numbers. Accordingly, some features of the port 1614 already described with respect to the port 314 of Figs. 11-18A may be less or no description at all. In this embodiment, the port 1614 has an interface 1620 coupled to an insertion member 1637 that includes a sensor system (not shown) as described above. The interface 1620 includes a rigid connector 1656 that extends inwardly from an edge of the well 135. The module 1622 has an interface 1623 on the top surface of the module. When the module 1622 is inserted into the well 135, the interface 1623 of the module 1622 is coupled to the interface 1620 of the port 1614 in a manner similar to that shown in Figs. The foot contact member 133 and the insertion member 1637 also have a print securing sticker 1665 or other securing seal around the port 1614 such that the print securing sticker or securing seal is located around the port 1614 When the members 133 and 1637 are pressed together, they are attached to each other to create a waterproof seal. It is to be understood that the securing seal member 1665 may be located anywhere in the other embodiments, for example, between the foot contact member 133 and the midsole member 131. [

49-51 illustrate another embodiment of a port 1714 shown as being received within the well 135 in the midsole member 131 of the footwear article. Many of the features of this embodiment should be similar or comparable to those of the port 314 shown in Figs. 11 to 18A and described above, and these features may be compared to the " 3xx " Are referred to using similar reference numerals in the " 17xx " series of reference numerals. Accordingly, some features of the port 1714 already described with respect to the port 314 of Figs. 11 to 18A may be less or no description at all. In this embodiment, the port 1714 has an interface 1720 connected to an insertion member 1737 that includes a sensor system (not shown) as described above. The interface 1720 includes a connector 1756 that extends inwardly from the lower edge of the well 135. The module 1722 has an interface 1723 on the underside of the module. When the module 1722 is inserted into the well 135, the interface 1723 of the module 1722 engages the interface 1720 of the port 1714. The module 1722 and the insert member 1737 also have complementary seal members 1765 for achieving sealing around the port 1714 such that the sealing member 1765 is secured to the port 1714, Sealable plastic bag-shaped seal or other type of seal structure that is connected to each other when the module 1722 is pressed together with the insert member 1737 to create a seal. In this embodiment, the module 1722 has flanges or flanges 1773 around the edges of the module, such flanges or flanges 1773 having sealing members 1765 on the surface, And is fastened to the sealing member 1765 of the insertion member 1737. The sealing can be accomplished by pressure, such as moving the user's finger around the area of the sealing member 1765, as well as the sealing of the resealable plastic bag. It is to be understood that the sealing members 1765 may be located anywhere in the other embodiments, for example, between the foot contact member 133 and the insertion member 1737 and / or the midsole member 131 .

52 and 53 illustrate another embodiment of a port 1814 shown as being received within the well 135 in the midsole member 131 of the footwear article. Many of the features of this embodiment should be similar or comparable to those of the port 314 shown in Figs. 11 to 18A and described above, and these features may be compared to the " 3xx " Are referenced using like reference numerals in the " 18xx " series of reference numbers. Accordingly, some features of the port 1814 already described with respect to the port 314 of Figs. 11A-18A may be less or no description at all. In this embodiment, the port 1814 has an interface 1820 connected to an insertion member 1837 that includes a sensor system (not shown) as described above. The interface 1820 includes a rigid connector 1856 that extends inwardly from an edge of the well 135. The module 1822 has an interface 1823 on the top surface of the module. When the module 1822 is inserted into the well 135, the interface 1823 of the module 1822 is coupled to the interface 1820 of the port 1814 in a manner similar to that shown in Figs. The foot contact member 133 and the insertion member 1837 also have textured sealing portions 1865 around the port 1814 that are configured to create a watertight seal that fits around the port 1814 And the members 133 and 1837 are pressed together. It is to be understood that the securing sealing members 1865 may be located anywhere in other embodiments, for example, between the foot contact member 133 and the midsole member 131. [

54-56 illustrate another embodiment of a port 1914 shown as being received within the well 135 in the midsole member 131 of the footwear article. Many of the features of this embodiment should be similar or comparable to those of the port 314 shown in Figs. 11 to 18A and described above, and these features may be compared to the " 3xx " Are referred to using similar reference numerals in the " 19xx " series of reference numerals. Accordingly, some features of the port 1914 already described with respect to the port 314 of Figs. 11-18A may be less or no description at all. In this embodiment, the port 1914 has an interface 1920 connected to an insertion member 1937 that includes a sensor system (not shown) as described above. The interface 1920 includes a rigid mylar connector extending inwardly from an edge of the well 135, wherein the connectors are located on a plug 1969 extending downward. The module 1922 has an interface 1923 in the recess 1969A on the top surface of the module. When the module 1922 is inserted into the well 135, the plug 1969 is received in the recess 1969A and the interface 1923 of the module 1922 engages the interface 1920 of the port 1914. Also, the plug 1969 and the recess 1969A have substantially the same shape to create a frictional fit and a tight seal. The downward pressure from the foot contact member 133 further increases the frictional engagement connection. In another embodiment, module 1922 and / or port 1914 may include a magnet or other locking / retaining device to further secure module 1922 with port 1914.

57-58C illustrate another embodiment of a port 2014 shown as being received within the well 135 in the midsole member 131 of the footwear article. Many of the features of this embodiment should be similar or comparable to those of the port 314 shown in Figs. 11 to 18A and described above, and these features may be compared to the " 3xx " Are referenced using similar reference numerals in the " 20xx " series of reference numbers. Accordingly, some features of the port 2014 already described with respect to the port 314 of Figs. 11 to 18A may be less or no description at all. In this embodiment, the port 2014 has an interface 2020 connected to an insertion member 2037 that includes a sensor system (not shown) as described above. The interface 2020 includes a connector 2056 that extends inwardly from the lower edge of the well 135. The module 2022 has an interface 2023 on the lower surface of the module. When the module 2022 is inserted into the well 135, the interface 2023 of the module 2022 engages the interface 2020 of the port 2014. The well 135 of the midsole member 131 and the module 2022 also have complementary fastening shapes to hold the module 2022 in the well 135. As shown in Figures 58A-58C, the module 2022 has a sloping edge 2022A that slopes outwardly from top to bottom, and the well 135 also has an inclined edge 2022A that locks the module 2022 in the well 135 And sloping side walls 135A. As shown in Figure 58C, the insertion or removal of the module 2022 can be accomplished by providing sufficient spacing that the module 2022 can be inserted or removed by flexing the midsole member 131 sufficiently. Contact between the module 2022 and the sloping edge 2022A of the well 135 and the sloped side wall 135A can create a watertight seal around the interfaces 2020 and 2023. [ In one embodiment, the port 2014 may include an elastic foam housing or pocket around the inside of the well 135 to retain the module 2022.

59 and 60 illustrate another embodiment of a port 2114 shown as being received within the well 135 in the midsole member 131 of the footwear article. Many of the features of this embodiment should be similar or comparable to those of the port 314 shown in Figs. 11 to 18A and described above, and these features may be compared to the " 3xx " Are referred to using similar reference numerals in the " 21xx " series of reference numerals. Accordingly, some features of the port 2114 already described with respect to the port 314 of Figs. 11-18A may be less or no description at all. In this embodiment, the port 2114 has an interface 2120 connected to an insertion member 2137 that includes a sensor system (not shown) as described above. The interface 2120 includes a rigid connector 2156 that extends inwardly from an edge of the well 135. The module 2122 has an interface 2123 on the lower surface of the module. When the module 2122 is inserted into the well 135 the interface 2123 of the module 2122 engages the interface 2120 of the port 2114. The foot contact member 133 and the midsole member 131 also have complementary fastening shapes around the port 2114 and the shapes are similar to those of the members 131 And 133 are pressed together, they are fastened to each other. The mutual locking structure includes a plug 2174 on the foot contact member 133 that extends downward into the well 135 to create a seal. As shown in FIG. 60, the plug 2174 has a gasket ring 2174A that is snapped into the receiving ring 2174B of the midsole member to improve sealing.

61 and 62 illustrate another embodiment of the port 2214 shown as being received within the well 135 in the midsole member 131 of the footwear article. Many of the features of this embodiment should be similar or comparable to those of the port 314 shown in Figs. 11 to 18A and described above, and these features may be compared to the " 3xx " Are referred to using similar reference numerals in the " 22xx " series of reference numerals. Accordingly, some features of the port 2214 already described with respect to the port 314 of Figs. 11-18A may be less or no description at all. In this embodiment, the port 2214 has an interface 2220 connected to an insertion member 2237 that includes a sensor system (not shown) as described above. The interface 2220 includes a rigid connector 2256 extending inwardly from an edge of the well 135. The module 2222 has an interface 2223 on the top surface of the module. When the module 2222 is inserted into the well 135, the interface 2223 of the module 2222 engages the interface 2220 of the port 2214. In addition, the insertion member 2237 has an overmolding forming the capsule 2275 surrounding the connector 2256. Capsule 2275 may wrap module 2222 to create a watertight or watertight seal around interfaces 2220 and 2223. [ Capsule 2275 may be made of an elastic and / or flexible material, such as silicone, rubber, or other suitable material.

63 and 64 illustrate another embodiment of the port 2314 shown as being received within the well 135 in the midsole member 131 of the footwear article. Many of the features of this embodiment should be similar or comparable to those of the port 314 shown in Figs. 11 to 18A and described above, and these features may be compared to the " 3xx " Are referred to using similar reference numerals in the " 23xx " series of reference numerals. Accordingly, some features of the port 2314 already described with respect to the port 314 of Figs. 11 to 18A may be less or no description at all. In this embodiment, the port 2314 has an interface 2320 connected to an insertion member 2337 that includes a sensor system (not shown) as described above. The interface 2320 includes a rigid or flexible connector 2356 that extends inwardly from the edge of the well 135. The module 2322 has an interface 2323 on the upper surface of the module. When the module 2322 is inserted into the well 135, the interface 2323 of the module 2322 engages the interface 2320 of the port 2314. The insertion member 2337 and the module 2322 also have complementary sealing members 2365 such as a resealable plastic bag seal or other seal around the interfaces 2320 and 2323, When the connector 2356 is pressed together with the module 2322, they are connected together to create a tight seal. The pressure can be achieved by moving the user's finger around the sealing member 2365 as well as sealing the resealable plastic bag.

65 and 66 illustrate another embodiment of the port 2414 shown as being received within the well 135 in the midsole member 131 of the footwear article. Many of the features of this embodiment should be similar or comparable to those of the port 314 shown in Figs. 11 to 18A and described above, and these features may be compared to the " 3xx " Are referenced using like reference numerals in the " 24xx " series of reference numerals. Accordingly, some features of the port 2414 already described with respect to the port 314 of Figs. 11 to 18A may be less or no description at all. In this embodiment, the port 2414 has an interface 2420 connected to an insertion member 2437 that includes a sensor system (not shown) as described above. The interface 2420 includes a rigid male-type plug 2469 that extends inwardly from an edge of the well 135. The rigid male- Module 2422 includes an interface 2423 located within receiver 2469A or other female connection structure. When module 2422 is inserted into well 135, plug 2469 is received in receptacle 2469A and connected to interfaces 2420 and 2423. [ The strength of the plug 2469 may be sufficient to hold the module 2422 in the well 135, but additional retention structures including any of the retention structures described herein may also be used.

67 shows another embodiment of a port 2514 shown as being received within the well 135 in the midsole member 131 of the footwear article. Many of the features of this embodiment should be similar or comparable to those of the port 314 shown in Figs. 11 to 18A and described above, and these features may be compared to the " 3xx " Are referenced using like reference numerals in the " 25xx " series of reference numerals. Accordingly, some features of the port 2514 already described with respect to the port 314 of Figs. 11 to 18A may be less or no description at all. In this embodiment, the port 2514 has an interface 2520 located at the bottom of the well 135 and the module 2522 has an interface 2523 located at the bottom of the module. Port 2514 and module 2522 each have a flexible sealing material 2565 connecting the contact surfaces adjacent to interfaces 2520 and 2523 which are pressed together so that when module 2522 is received in well 135, Or a water-resistant seal. In one embodiment, additional retention structures including any of the retention structures described herein may be used to hold the module 2522 in the wells 135.

68 shows another embodiment of a port 2614 shown as being received within the well 135 in the midsole member 131 of the footwear article. Many of the features of this embodiment should be similar or comparable to those of the port 314 shown in Figs. 11 to 18A and described above, and these features may be compared to the " 3xx " Are referenced using like reference numerals in the " 26xx " series of reference numerals. Accordingly, some features of the port 2614 already described for the port 314 of Figs. 11-18A may be less or no description at all. In this embodiment, the port 2614 has an interface 2620 located at the bottom of the well 135 and the module 2622 has an interface 2623 located at the bottom of the module. Each well 135 and module 2622 has a complementary threading 2680 on its side so that the module 2622 can be screwed into the well 135. The module may utilize a slot or tool for a coin-turn, as in the embodiment shown in Figures 40-42.

Figures 69 and 69A show another embodiment of a port 2714 shown as being received within the well 135 in the midsole member 131 of the footwear article. Many of the features of this embodiment should be similar or comparable to those of the port 314 shown in Figs. 11 to 18A and described above, and these features may be compared to the " 3xx " Are referenced using like reference numerals in the " 27xx " series of reference numerals. Accordingly, some of the features of port 2714 already described for port 314 in Figures 11-18A may be less or no description at all. In this embodiment, the port 2714 has an interface 2720 located at the bottom of the well 135, and the module 2722 has an interface 2723 located at the bottom of the module. Well 135 and module 2722 may have complementary features that include protrusions 2767 on opposite sides of module 2722 that are received in L-shaped or generally L- shaped grooves 2768 of the sides of well 135 Style lock structure, whereby the module 2722 can be secured within the well 135 by rotation. The module may utilize a slot or tool for the coil turn as in the embodiment shown in Figures 32-34.

Figure 70 illustrates another embodiment of a port 2814 shown as being received within a well 135 in the midsole member 131 of the footwear article. Many of the features of this embodiment should be similar or comparable to those of the port 314 shown in Figs. 11 to 18A and described above, and these features may be compared to the " 3xx " Are referred to using similar reference numerals in the " 28xx " series of reference numerals. Accordingly, some of the features of port 2814 already described with respect to port 314 in Figs. 11-18A may be less or no description at all. In this embodiment, port 2814 has an interface 2820 located at the bottom of well 135 and module 2822 has an interface 2823 located at the bottom of the module. The port 2814 has an elastic clip member 2876 that is clipped or clamped to the side of the module 2822 and the module 2822 has detents 2876A on its side to be fixed with the clip member 2876. [ The clip member 2876 can be pulled backward to separate the module 2822, for example, by operation with the user's finger.

71 shows another embodiment of the port 2914 shown as being received in the well 135 in the midsole member 131 of the footwear article. Many of the features of this embodiment should be similar or comparable to those of the port 314 shown in Figs. 11 to 18A and described above, and these features may be compared to the " 3xx " Are referenced using like reference numerals in the " 29xx " reference number series. Accordingly, some features of the port 2914 already described with respect to the port 314 of Figs. 11-18A may be less or no description at all. The port 2914 has an interface 2920 that includes a connector 2956 extending to the bottom of the well 135 and the module 2922 has an interface 2923 located on the underside of the module Respectively. Module 2922 has an elastic tab member 2980 received within detents 2980A of the walls of well 135 to retain module 2922 in well 135. [

72 shows another embodiment of a port 3014 shown as being received within the well 135 in the midsole member 131 of the footwear article. Many of the features of this embodiment should be similar or comparable to those of the port 314 shown in Figs. 11 to 18A and described above, and these features may be compared to the " 3xx " Are referenced using like reference numerals in the " 30xx " reference number series. Accordingly, some features of the port 3014 already described with respect to the port 314 of Figs. 11 to 18A may be less or no description at all. The port 3014 has an interface 3020 that includes a connector 3056 extending to the bottom of the well 135 and the module 3022 has an interface 3023 located on the underside of the module Respectively. The port 3014 has an elastic clip member 3076 that is clipped or clamped to the sides of the module 3022 and the module 3022 has taps 3076A on the sides to be secured with the clip member 3076. [

73 and 74 illustrate another embodiment of a port 3114 shown as being received within the well 135 in the midsole member 131 of the footwear article. Many of the features of this embodiment should be similar or comparable to those of the port 314 shown in Figs. 11 to 18A and described above, and these features may be compared to the " 3xx " Are referenced using like reference numerals in the reference number series " 31xx ". Accordingly, some features of the port 3114 already described with respect to the port 314 of Figs. 11 to 18A may be less or no description at all. The port 3114 has an interface 3120 that includes a connector 3156 that extends to the bottom of the well 135 and the module 3122 includes an interface 3123 located on the underside of the module Respectively. Module 3122 has a flange projection 3169 on the underside near interface 3123 and connector 3156 has an opening 3169A for receiving protrusion 3169 to connect interfaces 3120 and 3123 together . In this embodiment, the flange projection 3169 is resilient and flexible to fit within the opening 3169A, creating a tight fit.

Figures 75 to 85 illustrate an example of a port 14 for connecting interfaces 3520A-3520G of port 14 to interfaces 3523A-3523G of various modules 3522A-3522G having complementary connection structures, ≪ / RTI > FIG. 75 to 85 can be used in various designs for the following port 14, sensor system 12, and footwear 100 described in this specification, The embodiments briefly describe the corresponding connection structure.

Figures 75 and 76 illustrate a module 3522A that includes a gasket or other watertight seal 3565A located about slot 3569A wherein the interface 3523A is located within slot 3569A. Port interface 3520A has a rigid or flexible mylar connector 3556A that forms a watertight seal and slides tightly within slot 3569A to connect interfaces 3520A and 3523A.

77 and 78 illustrate a module 3522B that includes a moveable clamping member 3576B located adjacent interface 3523B. Clamping member 3576B may be pivoted to securely clamp against a connector or other component of the port interface (not shown). Module 3522B may include a gasket or other sealing member (not shown).

79 and 80 illustrate a module 3522C including movable clamping arms 3576C, wherein the interface 3523C is located between the arms 3576C. The port interface 3520C has a rigid or flexible mylar connector 3556C and the arms 3576C clamp together with the connector 3556C to connect the interfaces 3520C and 3523C. Arms 3576C may include gaskets or other sealing members (not shown).

81 shows a connection structure including a capsule 3575D located around the interface 3520D, which is similar to the capsule 2275 shown in Figs. 61 and 62 and described above. In this embodiment, the port interface 3520D of the module 3522D and the port interface 3523D include a male and female connection structure, which differs from the configuration of Figs. The port interface 3520D includes, in the present embodiment, a connector 3556D accommodated in a receptacle 3569D of the module 3522D.

Figure 82 shows module 3522E and port interface 3520E, including magnets 3577E around interfaces 3520E and 3523E. Magnets 3577E couple interfaces 3520E and 3523E together. Module 3522E may further include a gasket or other sealing member (not shown).

Figure 83 shows a module 3522F including a clamping member 3576F positioned adjacent to an interface 3523F that is clamped by use of a locking device 3578F. Clamping member 3576F receives connector 3556F of port interface 3520F and then tightens locking device 3578F to securely clamp connector 3556F. The module 3522F also includes a sealing member 3565F or other sealing member 3565F to create a watertight seal around the connector 3556F, such as a mylar liner, silicone or rubber liner or gasket.

84 and 85 illustrate a module 3522G that includes a slot 3569G with snap clamping members 3576G, wherein the interface 3523G is located within slot 3569G. Module 3522G also includes a trigger 3579G in slot 3569G that activates clamping member 3576G via an internal mechanism. Port interface 3520G has a mylar connector 3556G that is inserted into slot 3569G. When the connector 3556G strikes the trigger 3579G, the clamping members 3576G clamp the connector 3556G together to hold the connector 3556G in the slot 3569G. Clamping members 3576G can hold connector 3556G therebetween, or maintain it at a frictional force, or can extend through holes in connector 3556G. The slot 3569G may include a gasket or other sealing member (not shown).

The operation and use of the sensor systems 12 and 212, including those shown and described below, refer to the sensor system 12 shown in Figures 3-5, It should be understood that the principles of operation of the sensor system 12, including the sensor systems 212 and their variations, are applicable to other embodiments of the sensor systems 212 (see below) and ports 214 (see below). In operation, the sensors 16 collect data according to their function and design and transmit the data to the port 14. The port 14 then allows the electronic module 22 to interface with the sensors 16 and to collect data for further use and / or processing. In one embodiment, the data may be collected, stored and transmitted in a universally readable format to be accessed and / or downloaded by a plurality of users utilizing different diverse applications for different diverse purposes have. In one example, data is collected, stored, and transmitted in XML format. Further, in one embodiment, data may be collected sequentially from the sensors 16, and in another embodiment, data may be collected simultaneously from two or more sensors 16.

In other embodiments, the sensor system 12 may be configured to collect different types of data. In one embodiment (described above), the sensor (s) 16 may collect data regarding the number, order, and / or frequency of compression. For example, the system 12 may also record other parameters such as the number and frequency of steps, jumps, cuts, kicks, or other compression forces that occur while wearing the shoe 100, and other parameters such as contact time and body time . Both quantitative sensors and binary on / off sensors can collect this data. In another example, the system can record the order of compression forces generated by the shoe, which can be used for foot contraction or abduction, load transfer, determining a foot strike pattern, or other such applications. In another embodiment (also described above), the sensor (s) 16 may quantitatively measure the compressive forces on adjacent portions of the shoe 100 and eventually the data may be quantitatively compressed and / . ≪ / RTI > The relative difference in forces at different portions of the shoe 100 can be used to determine the " pressure center " and load distribution of the shoe 100. The load distribution and / or the pressure center can be calculated independently for one or both shoes 100, or calculated together for both shoes to find, for example, the center of the load distribution over the entire body of a person . As described above, using a relatively densely packed array of on / off binary sensors, quantitative forces can be measured by a change detected in " puddling " have. In further embodiments, the sensor (s) 16 may measure the rate of change of the compressive force, the contact time, the time of flight, or the time between impacts (e.g., for jumping or running) and / Can be measured. In certain embodiments, it can be appreciated that the sensors 16 may require some threshold force or impact prior to registering the force / impact.

As described above, the data is provided in a universally readable format to the module 22 via the universal port 14 such that the number of applications, users, and programs for which the user can use the data is almost unlimited. Port 14 and module 22 are configured and / or programmed by the user as needed and port 14 and module 22 receive input data from sensor system 12, May be used in any manner necessary for different applications. In many applications, the data is further processed by the pre-use module 22 and / or the external device 110. One or more of the sensors 16, the port 14, the module 22, and / or the external device 110 (including the device 110A), and / or any combination of such components, It will be appreciated that some embodiments may process at least a portion of the data, as long as it includes hardware and / or other structures that are well known in the art. In the configuration in which the external device 110 further processes data, the module 22 can transmit data to the external device 110. [ This data to be transmitted may be transmitted in the same universally readable format or may be transmitted in a different format and the module 22 may be configured to change the format of the data. The module 22 may also be configured and / or programmed to collect, use, and / or process data from the sensors 16 for one or more particular applications. In one embodiment, the module 22 is configured to collect, use, and / or process data for use in a plurality of applications. Examples of such use and application are as follows. As used herein, the term " application " refers generally to a particular use, and the term is not necessarily used in a computer program application as it is used in the computer field. Nevertheless, certain applications may be fully or partially embodied within a computer program application.

The module 22 may also be replaced with a second module 22 that is removed from the footwear 100 and configured to operate differently than the first module 22. The original module 22 may be removable and the second module 22 may be inserted in the same manner as the original module, as in the above-described schemes. The second module 22 may be configured and / or programmed differently than the first module 22. It can be understood that the module 22 may be removed and replaced with another module 22 of similar or identical configuration due to battery leakage, failure, or the like. In one embodiment, the first module 22 may be configured for use in one or more specific applications, and the second module 22 may be configured for use in one or more other applications. For example, the first module 22 may be configured for use in one or more game applications, and the second module 22 may be configured for use in one or more exercise performance monitoring applications. Modules 22 may also be configured for use in different applications of the same type. For example, the first module 22 may be configured for use in one game or fitness performance monitoring application and the second module 22 may be configured for use in another game or athletic performance monitoring application . In another example, the modules 22 may be configured for different uses within the same game or performance monitoring application. In another embodiment, the first module 22 may be configured to collect one type of data, and the second module 22 may be configured to collect other types of data. Examples of these types of data are quantitative force measurements, relative force measurements (i.e., sensors 16 for each other), load shift / transfer, impact sequence (for ball striking patterns) . In a further embodiment, the first module 22 may be configured to use or process data from the sensors 16 in a manner different from the second module 22. For example, the modules 22 may be configured to collect, store and / or communicate data exclusively, or the modules 22 may organize the data in a predetermined manner, for example, , Change the form of the data, perform the calculation using the data, and the like. In another embodiment, the modules 22 may be configured to communicate differently, such as with other communication interfaces, or may be configured to communicate with other external devices 110. Modules 22 may be configured to use additional power or other hardware components, such as additional sensors (e.g., GPS, accelerometer), as described above, in other aspects, including structural and functional aspects, You can function differently, as you do.

One use case for data collected by the system 12 is to measure load transfer, which may include a golf swing, a baseball / softball swing, a hockey swing (ice hockey or field hockey), a tennis swing, a ball drawing / Pitching and so on. The pressure data collected by the system 12 can provide important feedback on balance and stability for use in improving skills in any applicable physical education field. It will be appreciated that based on the intention to use the collected data, sensor systems 12 may be designed to be more or less costly and more complex or less complex.

The data collected by the system 12 may be used in measuring a variety of other athletic performance characteristics. Data can be used to measure the degree and / or speed of foot abduction / abduction, foot strike pattern, balance, and other such parameters, which can be used to improve the skills of running / jogging or other physical activity. With regard to civil war / abduction, data analysis can also be used as predictors of adversary / abduction. Speed and distance monitoring may be performed, which may include counter based measurements such as contact measurements or loft time measurements. For example, the jump height may be measured by using a contact or loft time measurement. The side cutting force can be measured including different forces exerted on different portions of the shoe 100 during cutting. The sensors 16 may be positioned to measure the shear force of the foot or the like sliding sideways in the shoe 100. By way of example, additional sensors may be incorporated into the side 120 of the upper side 120 of the shoe 100 to sense the force on those sides. In another example, a high density array of binary sensors can detect shear action through side changes of " puddling " of activated sensors.

 In yet another embodiment (not shown), the one or more sensors 16 may be additionally or alternatively incorporated into the upper portion 120 of the shoe 100. In this configuration, the frequency and / or number of " touch " in soccer and the additional parameters such as the difference in soccer or football power can be measured.

 Data or measurements derived therefrom may be useful for athletic training, including improving speed, power, fastness, consistency, and skills. The port 14, the module 22, and / or the external device 110 may be configured to provide active real-time feedback to the user. In one example, port 14 and / or module 22 may be arranged to communicate with a computer, mobile device, etc. to deliver results in real time. In another example, one or more vibratory elements can be included in the shoe 100, which vibrates a portion of the shoe, such as that disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 6,978,684, incorporated herein by reference, Feedback can be provided to the user by contributing to motion control. The data can also be used to compare the athletic movements, for example to compare the movements with the past movements of the user to indicate consistency, improvement, or deficiency, or to compare the user's movements with other users Can be compared with the same movements of. The system 12 may also be used to record biomechanical data on a " signature " motion movement of an athlete. This data may be provided to others for use in simulating or replicating the motion and may be provided to others for use, for example, in a game application or in a shadow application example that overlays motion with a user ' .

System 12 may also be configured to track " Full Day Activity " to record various activities the user participates in throughout the day. System 12 may include algorithms specific to module 22, external device 110, and / or sensors 16 for this purpose.

System 12 may also be used in control applications rather than data collection and processing applications. In other words, the system 12 may be configured to detect footwear, or physical contact, for use in controlling an external device 110, such as a computer, television, video game, or the like, May be incorporated into other accompanying articles. In practice, the footwear with integrated sensors 16 and leads 18 extending to the universal port 14 allows the footwear to function as an input system, Programmed, and adapted to use the input data in any desired manner, e.g., as a control input for a remote system. For example, a shoe with sensor control can be used as a control or input device for a computer, or a program being executed by a computer, like a mouse, and can be used to control some foot movements, gestures, (Eg, page-down, page-up, undo, copy, etc.) on the computer, , Cut, paste, save, close, etc.). The software may be provided for this purpose by assigning foot gestures to other computer function controls. It is contemplated that an operating system may be configured to receive and recognize control inputs from the sensor system 12. A television or other external electronic device can be controlled in this manner. In addition, the footwear 100 incorporating the system 12 may include a Nintendo Wii controller, which may be used to generate certain representations of the movements on the display screen, and / or may be assigned a predetermined function and / Likewise, it can be used in game applications and game programs. In one example, pressure center data and other load distribution data may be used in game applications that may include balancing, load shifting, and a virtual representation of other performance activities. The system 12 may be used as an exclusive controller or as a complement controller for a game or other computer system. Examples of configurations and methods of using a sensor system for footwear articles as controls for external devices and foot gestures for such control are described in U. S. Patent Application Serial No. 61 / 138,048, entitled " As shown in FIG.

The system 12 may also be configured to communicate directly with the controller for the external device 110 and / or external device. As described above, Fig. 6 shows an embodiment for communication between the electronic module 22 and the electronic device. In another embodiment shown in FIG. 86, system 12 may be configured for communication with external game device 110A. The external game device 110A includes components similar to the exemplary external device 110 shown in Fig. The external game device 110A also includes at least one game medium 307 (e.g., a cartridge, CD, DVD, Blu-ray, or other storage device) And at least one remote controller 305 configured to perform communication via a wired and / or wireless connection through the network. In the illustrated embodiment, the controller 305 complements the user input 310, but in one embodiment, the controller 305 may function as a sole user input. In this embodiment, the system 12 includes an auxiliary device such as a wireless transmitter / receiver with a USB plug-in configured to be connected to the external device 110 and / or the controller 305 to enable communication with the module 22 303 are provided. In one embodiment, the auxiliary device 303 may be configured to be coupled to one or more additional controllers and / or external devices of the same type and / or type as the controller 305 and the external device 110. It will be appreciated that if the system 12 includes the above-described other types of sensors (e.g., an accelerometer), then these additional sensors may also be incorporated to control a game or other program on the external device 110 .

The external device 110, such as a computer / gaming system, may be provided with other types of software for interacting with the system 12. For example, the game program may be configured to change an attribute of an ingame character based on a user's actual activity, which may be accompanied by practice or more activity by the user. In another example, the program can be configured to display the user's avatar in relation to user activity collected by the shoe's detection system or in proportion to its user activity. In such a configuration, if the user was active, the avatar may appear as an excited state, an energetic state, or the like, and the avatar may become sleepy or lazy if the user is inactive. The sensor system 12 may also be configured for more sophisticated sensing to record data indicative of " characteristic movements " of athletes, and such data may be used for a variety of purposes in game systems, modeling systems, and the like.

A single footwear article 100 including the sensor system 12 as described herein may be used alone or in combination with a unique sensor system 100 such as a pair of shoes 100, May be used in conjunction with a second footwear article 100 'having a first footwear article 12'. The sensor system 12 'of the second shoe 100' generally comprises at least one sensor 16 'connected to the port 14' in communication with the electronic module 22 'by sensor leads 18' . The second sensor system 12 'of the second shoe 100' shown in FIGS. 87 to 89 has the same configuration as the sensor system 12 of the first shoe 100. However, in another embodiment, the shoes 100, 100 'may have different sensor systems 12, 12' in configuration. The two shoes 100 and 100 'are configured to communicate with the external device 110 and in the illustrated embodiment each of the shoes 100 and 100' 22, 22 '. In another embodiment, the two side shoes 100, 100 'may have ports 14, 14' configured to communicate with the same electronic module 22. In this embodiment, at least one shoe 100, 100 'may be configured for wireless communication with the module 22. 87-89 show various modes for communication between the modules 22, 22 '.

87 shows a " mesh " communication mode in which modules 22 and 22 'are configured to communicate with each other and are also configured to communicate independently with external device 110. [ 88 shows a " daisy-chain " communication mode in which one module 22 'communicates with the external device 110 via another module 22. In other words, the second module 22 'is configured to communicate a signal (which may include data) to the first module 22, and the first module 22 is configured to communicate signals from both modules 22, 22' And to communicate signals to the external device 110. Likewise, the external device communicates with the second module 22 'via the first module 22 by sending a signal to the first module 22, which sends the signal to the second module 22' . In one embodiment, modules 22 and 22 'may also communicate with each other for purposes other than transmitting signals from external device 110 and to external devices. 89 shows an " independent " communication mode in which each module 22, 22 'is configured to communicate with the external device 110 independently and the modules 22, 22' are configured not to communicate with each other. In other embodiments, the sensor systems 12 and 12 'may be configured to communicate with each other and / or with the external device 110 in a different manner.

Other uses and applications of data collected by the system 12 within the scope of the present invention can be considered and appreciated by those skilled in the art.

As described above, the sensor systems 12, 212 may be tailored for use with specific software for the electronic module 22 and / or the external device 110. Such software may be provided with the sensor system 12, 212 in the form of a sole insert 237 having a customized sensor assembly 213, for example, as a kit or package.

As those skilled in the art reading the present disclosure will appreciate, the various aspects described herein may be embodied as a method, data processing system, or computer program product. Accordingly, such aspects may take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment, or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects. In addition, these aspects may be realized by computer program products stored in or on one or more types of such computer-readable storage media or storage devices having computer-readable program code or instructions embodied in or on the computer- Can take the form of. Any suitable type of computer-readable storage medium may be used, including hard disks, CD-ROMs, optical storage devices, magnetic storage devices, and / or any combination thereof. In addition, various intangible signals representing data or events as described herein may be communicated through a wireless signal transmission medium, such as a metal wire, fiber optic, and / or wireless transmission medium (e.g., air and / or space) Lt; RTI ID = 0.0 > and / or < / RTI >

As noted above, aspects of the present invention may be described in the general context of computer-executable instructions, such as program modules, being executed by a computer and / or a processor of a computer. Generally, program modules include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, etc. that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. Such a program module may be included in a computer readable medium of the type described above. Aspects of the invention may also be practiced in distributed computing environments where tasks are performed by remote processing devices that are linked through a communications network. Program modules may be stored in a memory such as the memory 204 of the module 22 or the memory 304 of the external device 110 or a game medium 307 that may include local and remote computer storage media having memory storage devices. ). ≪ / RTI > It is understood that module 22, external device 110, and / or external media may include complementary program modules for use together, for example, in a particular application. It will also be appreciated that a single processor 202 and 302 and a single memory 204 and 304 are shown and described in module 22 and external device 110 for simplicity and the processors 202 and 302 and It is understood that the memories 204, 304 may each include a plurality of processors and / or memory and may include a system of processors and / or memories.

Various embodiments of the sensor system described herein, as well as footwear articles, foot contact members, inserts, and other structures incorporating the sensor system, provide advantages and advantages over existing techniques. For example, many of the port embodiments described herein provide relatively low cost and durable options to the sensor system, so that the sensor system can be integrated into the footwear article with good reliability with little additional cost. As a result, footwear can be manufactured integrally with the sensor systems, without significantly affecting the price, whether or not the sensor systems ultimately should be used by the consumer. In addition, sole insert members with customized sensor systems can be deployed with software designed to use the sensor system at low cost, without significantly impacting the price of the software. In another example, the sensor system provides a wide range of functionality for a variety of applications, including games, fitness, physical training and enhancement, actual control for computers and other devices, and many other things that are familiar to those skilled in the art to provide. In one embodiment, third party software developers may develop software configured to execute using inputs from the sensor system, including games and other programs. The ability of a sensor system to provide data in a universally readable format greatly expands the scope of third party software and other applications in which the sensor system may be used. In another example, various sole insert members, including liner, insole, and other elements, including the sensor system, allow interchangeability and customization of the sensor system for different applications. In addition, the various ports and module configurations described herein can provide a secure connection with reasonable cost and minimal negative impact on shoe performance or response. The connection structures may also be waterproof or water leaks, which may prevent interference from sweat or other liquids. In addition, the connection structures of the various port configurations described herein may quickly and easily interchange one module to another.

Those skilled in the art will recognize other advantages and benefits from the configurations described herein.

Numerous alternative embodiments and illustrations are described and illustrated herein. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate the potential combinations and variations of the features and components of the individual embodiments. It will also be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that any of the embodiments may be provided in any combination with other embodiments disclosed herein. It is to be understood that the invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or central characteristics thereof. Accordingly, the present examples and embodiments are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, and the present invention should not be limited to the details given herein. The terms "first", "second", "top", "bottom", etc. used herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the embodiments in any way. Additionally, the term " plurality ", as used herein, refers to any number greater than one, either separately or together, to an infinite number, if desired. Moreover, to "provide " an article or apparatus used herein means that further actions are possible or accessible to be performed on the article, and that the side that supplies the article may not manufacture, produce, And does not mean that the party providing the goods has ownership or control of the goods. Thus, while specific embodiments have been shown and described, numerous modifications may be made without departing substantially from the spirit of the invention, and the scope of protection is limited only by the scope of the appended claims.

Claims (1)

A port for use in a footwear article to be joined to a foot, the footwear article having a sole structure and an upper member connected to the sole structure,
A housing adapted to be at least partially received within the sole structure of the footwear article, the housing further comprising a reinforcing member located at the rear end of the housing, the reinforcing member including a plurality of side walls defining a chamber therein for receiving the electronic module; And
An interface having at least one electrical contact coupled to the housing at a front end of the opposite rear end of the housing and exposed to the chamber, the interface being adapted to form an electrical connection with the electronic module such that when the electronic module is received in the chamber, Wherein the interface is coupled to the electrical contact of the first connector,
Wherein the reinforcing member is adapted to apply a downward force to the electronic module to hold the electronic module in the housing and to apply a forward force to the electronic module to push the electronic module into contact with the interface.

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